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SKETCH 



THE PUEBLOS 



— AND- 



Pueblo County, Colorado. 



ILLUSTRATED. 

PUBLISHED BY THE BOHRD OF TREBE. 



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-^ f CHIEFTAIN STEAM PRINT, j ^ 







INTRODUCTION. 



The following pages have been prepared under the direction 
of the Board of Trade of the cities of Pueblo and South Pueblo, 
with a vieiv of answering frequent and various inquiries. The 
aim has been to give information that could be relied upon by those 
seeking homes, health or business chances in Colorado. TJiere 
may be slight inaccuracies, but it is believed all important matters 
have been fairly represented. No apology will be needed for the 
addition of an extract from the speech of Hon. IV. D. Kelly, of 
Pennsylvania, whose views on pig irofi and its products receive 
throughout the country the highest consideration. 



Board of Trade 



OFFICERS. 

President, Hon. Alva Adams. 

First Vice-President, Charles Henkel. 

Second Vice-President, Dudley Smith. 
Treasurer, Charles B. McVay. 

Secretary, Charles H. Small. 

DIRECTORS. 

A. H. Danforth, Bert E. Veatch, James Rice, 

W. A. L. Cooper, M. H. Fitch, J. Isgrig. 

STANDING COMMITTEES. 

Arbitration. 

Chas. II. Small, G. L. L. Gann, T. P. Peale, Wm. H. Hyde, 

S. C. Gallup. 

Printing. 

John {. Lambert, Chas. W. Bowman, Joseph Luce, E. J. Castle, 
J. S. Thompson. 

Membership. 

James Rice, J. H. McCord, Jr., F. M. Richie, Morris Barash, 

J. H. Bennett. 

Reception. 

Alva Adams, George M. Chilcott, J. B. Orman, J. II. Warneke, 

W. W. Strait, Klass Wildeboor, O. G. Chase, 

James Rice, M. D. Thatcher. 

Manufactures. 

A. H. Danforth, O. II. P. Baxter, Louis Slitt, G. H. Hard, 

J. W. Brentlinger, F. H. Fran ken is erg, Chas. Henkel, 

S. Walley, C. J. Harris. 

Finance. 

M. II. Fitch, C. B. McVay, George B. Stimpson, Frank Bingham, 
Fred Rohrer. 

Transportation and Railroads. 

Chas. Henkel, J. S. Thompson, Dudley Smith, A. D. Craiguk, 

F. Lehmer, W. A. L. Cooper, John Isgrig, 

Wm. Shepherd, B. E. Veatch. 

Improvements. 

W. A. L. Cooper, A. H. Danfokth, Wm. Moses, Paul Wilson, 

Ferd. Barndoi.lar, Geo. A. Newton, Robert Gibson, 

II. L. Holden, J. D. Miller. 

Legislation. 

Geo. M. Chilcott, James B. Urman, A. Royal, A. B. Patton, 
LuDWiG Kramer. 



MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF TRADE. 



NAMES. 


ADDRESS. 


BUSINESS. 


Aldridge, W 


Pueblo, 


Grocer 


Albert Bros 


do 


Coal and Transfer 


Anderson Bros 


do 


Groceries 


Adams & Craigue, 


South Pueblo 


Hardware. 


Adler, T & Co 


do 


Liquors 


Banks Bros. 


do 


Capitalists 


Benson, M V B 


do 


Insurance 


Barndollar Bros & Rankin 


Pueblo 


Bankers and Brokers 


Barndollar, Geo R 


do 


Groceries 


Bank of Pueblo 


do 


Bank 


Bennett, J H & Co 


do 


Hardware 


Baxter & Cresswell 


do 


Millers 


Bowman, Chas W 


do 


Publisher Com. Standard 


Baldwin, F E 


do 


Civil Engineer 


Bruner, Isgrig & Co 


South Pueblo 


Drugs 


Colorado Smelting Co 


do 


Smelter 


CafFray & McFerran 


do 


Stone Masons 


Card, E S & Co 


Pueblo 


Stationery 


Castle, E J & Co 


do 


Insurance, Real Estate 


Chase, Dr G 


do 


Mayor Central Pueblo 


Colorado Coal and Iron Co. 


South Pueblo, 


Iron, Coal and Lands 


Campbell, A R 


do 


Jewelry 


Colorado Machinery Co 


do 


Machinery 


Chilcott, G M 


Pueblo 


Senator 


Corder, A 


do 


Druggist 


Dunn & Divelbiss 


South Pueblo 


Cigar Manufactory 


Fugard, A L 


do 


Stationery 


Ferguson, James 


d6 


Capitalist 


Fariss & Gibbs 


Pueblo 


Fariss Hotel 


First National Bank 


do 


Bank 


Fist, Julius & Co 


do 


Liquors 


Fischer, Herman 


do 


Vinegar Factory 


Frankenburg, F^H & Co 


do 


Soap Manufactory 


Ford, Walsh & Co 


do 


Liquors 


Free & Son, M A 


do 


Plumbers 



Members of the Board of Trade. 



NAMKS. 


ADDRESS. 


BUSINESS. 


Friedman, A & Co 


Pueblo 


Li<iuors 


Fisher, A T & Co 


South Pueblo 


Coal and Transfer 


Goodrich, J A 


Pueblo 


Hotel 


Galhip, S C 


do 


Saddlery 


Gandolfo, J R & Co 


do 


Restaurant 


Gann, G L L & Co 


do 


Clothing 


Grant, Robert 


do 


Butcher 


Greenlee, Drake & Co 


do 


Monuments 


Gill, G W & Co 


do 


Pioneer Mattrass Fact'ry 


Home, F A & Co 


South Pueblo 


Clothier 


Hyde, W H 


Pueblo 


Wagons and Reapers 


Hard cS: Overton 


do 


Ice and Soda Water 


Hasvvell, W S 


do 


Drugs 


Henkel, Chas & Co 


do 


Wholesale Grocers 


Henry, J D 


do 


Agricultural Implements 


Hughes Bros 


do 


Lumber 


Hobson & Ruetschi 


do 


Architects 


Hanna, J P 


do 


Agt D & N O R'y 


Jackson, A H 


do 


Produce Commission 


Juneau, H & Co 


South Pueblo 


Lumber 


Kretschmer, Chas 


Pueblo 


Wagons and Implem'ts 


Kramer, Ludwig 


do 


Stockgrower 


Lambert, J J 


do 


Publisher Chieftain 


Lannon, Geo & Co 


do 


Founders and Machinists 


Luce, Joseph 


do 


Assayer 


Lehmer, F 


South Pueblo 


Tobacco 


McClelland, A & Co 


South Pueblo 


Hay and Grain 


Murphy, J M 


Pueblo 


Prop'r American House 


Mahon, Irwin, 


do 


C E, Com'r to Exposi'n 


Mattice & Gibson, 


do 


Real Estate 


McCarthy, T G 


do 


Paints and Wall Paper 


Miller, J D 


do 


Groceries and Crockery 


Moses Brothers, 


South Pueblo 


Groceries and Crockery 


Mitchell, Douglass & Bro 


do 


Plumbers 


McBride, E R 


do 


Justice 


Maxwell, E J 


Pueblo 


Attorney 


Newton Lumber Co, 


South Pueblo 


Lumber 


Nicholson, R C 


do 


Liquors 


Nusbaum, Robt 


Pueblo 


Grand Stables 


Orman & Crook, 


South Pueblo 


R R Contractors 


Patton, A B 


Pueblo 


Attorney 


Player, T T 


do 


Judge Criminal Court 


Pochon & Morris, 


do 


Ins'nce and Real Estate 


Pueblo Ore Sampling Co, 


South Pueblo 


Ore Samplers 



Members of the Board of Trade. 



NAMKS. 


ADDRESS. 


BUSINESS. 


Parr & Bergin 


Pueblo 


Groceries 


Peale, T P & Co 


do 


Dry Goods and Carpets 


Perkins & Sweeney 


do 


Furniture and Carpets 


Pryor, Hagus & Cooper 


do 


Furniture 


Rickert Bros 


South Pueblo 


Hardware 


Roworth & Veatcli 


do 


Dry Goods 


Rice, James 


I'ueblo 


Stationery 


Richie, F M 


do 


Drugs 


Stockgrowers' Nat'l Bank 


do 


Bank 


Sharp, P F 


South Pueblo 


Boots and Shoes 


Sheldon, M & Co 


do 


I>umber 


Shrock, Frank H 


do 


Justice 


Slitt & Middlekamp 


db 


Millers 


Stewart, A T 


do 


Blacksmith 


Small, P"illmore & Co 


do 


Real Estate and Ins'nce 


South Pueblo Nat'l Bank 


do 


Bank 


Stimpson, Geo B 


do 


Postmaster 


Shepard, Bingham & Co 


Pueblo 


Boots and Shoes 


Shepherd, Wm 


do 


Produce 


Stone & Anderson 


do 


Attorneys 


Shultz, J H 


do 


Brewer 


Stanton, I W 


do 


Postmaster 


Sutherland, F A 


do 


Dentist 


Smith, McCord .& Co 


do 


Wholesale Grocers 


Steger, R J & Co 


do 


Groceries 


Steele, J B & Co 


do 


Groceries 


Stoker & Ebbert 


do 


Millinery 


Strait, L B & Co 


do 


Insurance 


Thatcher, J A & Co 


do 


Hardware 


Tripp, C A 


South Pueblo 


Agt D and R G R R 


Viergutz, O H 


Pueblo 


Hardware 


Walley, Stephen 


South Pueblo 


Contractor 


Western National Bank 


do 


Bank 


Williams & Snell 


do 


Employment Office 


Weber, F 


Pueblo 


Butcher 


Wells Bros 


do 


Musical Instruments 


Wicks, S T 


do 


Contractor 


Wilson & Barnard 


do 


Dry Goods 


Walker Bros 


do 


Clothing 


Weston & Trost 


do 


Architects 


White, J & Co 


South Pueblo 


Fish and Vegetables 


Young, L K & Co 


do 


Produce and Commis'n 



PUEBLO COUNTY. 



No section of the Centennial State is more replete in rich 
traditionary interest than Pueblo County and its immediate sur- 
roundings. Within its inviting borders, the antiquarian, the 
archaeologist, the historian and the scientist alike find vast stores 
of pre-historic lore wliich open wide a prolific field for specula- 
tive thought. The casual traveler, the pleasure-seeking tourist 
and the enterprising capitalist also find much here to rivet their 
attention. 

IN BY-GONE CENTURIES, 

It formed a portion of the vast area occupied bv the Aztecs, 
the Toltecs and other comparatively unknown races which have 
long since passed out of existence, whilst after them came the 
various tribes of Indians, who, at one time, thickly peopled 
this region with their roving bands. Among them were the 
Utes, Navajoes, Pueblos, Apaches, Arapahoes, Cheyennes and 
other savages who are fast fading out before the advance of a 
superior civilization. 

EARLY EXPLORATIONS. 

According to the most authentic data obtainable, this section 
first fell under the observation of the white man about the year 
1539, when Francisco Vasquez de Coronado started out from 
one of the provinces of Old Mexico, of which he was governor, 
upon a tour of exploration and conquest. His expedition went 
forth under the patronage of the viceroy of his empire osten- 
sibly to glean all information obtainable regarding tlie northern 
possessions claimed by that sovereign. The ambition of this 
early explorer, however, led him to go forth in search of the 
seven cities of Cibolla — sites reputed to be occupied by a 
strange people who were lavishly luxuriating amid great natural 
wealth and grand rugged scenery which surrounded their peace- 
ful and pleasant abodes. That he never found these much 
coveted places is nearly as much a matter of history as is the 
fascinating story of the fruitless search of the senile Juan Ponce 
de Leon, who went out at the head of a force of stalwart re- 
tainers in quest of the mysterious fountain which had been 
represented to him as giving perpetual youth, even to the most 
aged who bathed in its recuperative waters. 



6 Sketch of the Pueblos. 

NOTABLE DISCOVERIES. 

However, upon this extended journey, this adventurous 
Castillian commander did make discoveries of note, some of 
which bear a most important relation to our fair, young State of 
Colorado, and more especially to this southern portion of it, 
now occupied by a new, thrifty and enterprising people as com- 
pared with its predatory inhabitants of the past few centuries, or, 
we might with propriety add, of a few brief decades ago. The 
march of Coronado is said to have been fraught with numerous 
exciting adventures from the time he departed from the base of 
his operations in what is now our sister republic on the south 
until he reached the confluence of the Arkansas river with the 
Fontaine qui Bouille, the spot which forms the present site of 
the Pueblos. 

INTERESTING HISTORICAL FACTS. 

Other explorers and adventurers followed in the train of 
Coronado ; and, northward from the line of the Mexican Em- 
pire, numerous settlements sprang up, the early pioneers casting 
their lots in this section all being of Spanish extraction. These 
people seemed to affiliate quite well with the aborigines or 
native occupants of the soil, and it was not until the advent of 
the Anglo-Saxon within the past quarter of a century that the 
savages evinced their hostility. But it is not necessary for our 
purpose in giving a succinct sketch of Pueblo county to rehearse 
the details of the numerous conflicts between the early comers 
to this section and the roving redskins whilst the latter were 
bent upon their predatory incursions. Yet it may be well as to 
a fair understanding regarding the political formation of this 
particular section to revert to the historical fact, so intimately 
connected with our state and county organizations, that Pueblo 
county and its adjoining counties, tributary to the Arkansas 
river, were, until a comparatively recent period, under the do- 
minion of the Mexican government. 

GEOGRAPHICAL DIVISION OF TERRITORY. 

That portion of Colorado east of the Rocky Mountains and 
north of the Arkansas river belonged to the Empire of France, 
and the remainder of it, forming a sort of a figure "L,," was 
under the control of Spain, and, latterly, that of Mexico. The 
first geograpical division alluded to was a part of the Territory 
of Louisiana, which extended from the Gulf of Mexico on the 
south to the British possessions on the north. This was an im- 
mense tract of land purciiased by the government of the United 
States from France, in 1803, for about fifteen million dollars. 
Really the price originally stipulated for it was not so great as 
this, but there was an agreement entered into between the two 
contracting nations in question, just prior to the transfer, that 



Pueblo Counfij. 9 

certain private claims should be satisfied, and this, as part of 
the consideration, brought the [)rice just named. 

POSSKSSION ACQUIRED THROUGH TREA'IY. 

This was a big bargain for Uncle Sam, as the tract then 
known as Louisiana Territory comprised not only the north- 
eastern portion of our own State of Colorado, but the present 
flourishing commonwealths of Oregon, Washington Territory, 
Montana, Idaho, Dakota, Wyoming, Nebraska, Iowa, Minne- 
sota, Missouri, Kansas, Indian Territory, Arkansas and the 
present state of Louisiana. Nearly a half century after the 
consummation of this important territorial acquisition, in the 
year 1845, Texas declared itself to be a republic, free and inde- 
pendent of Mexican domination. Coming under the protection 
of our free and enlightened nation virtually precipitated the war 
of the following year with our swarthy southern neighbors of 
Spanish extraction. The carnage ended, our Government, un- 
der the treaty of Guadalupe-Hidalgo, in 1848, found itself in 
possession of Texas, California and New Mexico, together with 
such other territory as comprised a portion of the same, and of 
which this portion of Colorado forms a most conspicuous and 
interesting part. 

THE TIDE OF IIMMK'.KATION. 

Five years later, in 1853, another strip of land lying between 
the republics was acquired under what was known as the Gadsden 
purchase. This brief history brings the reader up to another 
very important epoch in our progress, and the one from which 
Colorado as a territory, and then as a state, really dates. It 
was the great Pike's Peak excitement which reached fever-heat 
in 1859, a lapse of 320 years from the date of Coronado's ad- 
venturous exploits. Just two years prior to the inception of the 
rebellion, vast trains of prairie schooners, and, in fact, almost 
every variety of nondescript wheeled vehicles, might have been 
seen crowding at slow pace across the. Great American Desert, 
which stretched from the confines of the mighty Missouri to the 
battlements of the castellated Rocky Mountains.. All these 
pioneers seemed to be sanguine in their search for speedy for- 
tune; and the Indian and the Mexican speedily receded before 
this tide of emigration till ranches, mining camps, cities and 
towns sprung up to give solidity, strength and beauty to one of 
the most inviting sections of America — inviting by reason of its 
fine climate and great natural richness. 

QUALITIES OF THE COUNTY. 

Pueblo countv, when organized in 1S62, comprised the area 
now represented by the counties of Bent, Huerfano, Las Ani- 
mas and Pueblo. After three counties were carved out of the 
latter's original domain, 2,448 square miles were left to it, it 



lo Sketch of the Pueblos. 

now being about 54 miles from east to west and about the same 
distance from north to south. It is in latitude 38° 28' north, 
and longitude 27° 30' west from Washington. Mos'tly, its lands 
are undulating, gradually sloping from west to east. The east- 
ern portion is rather sandy and somewhat dry; but, with water 
secured from artesian wells or ditches, it can be rendered very 
productive. The western portion possesses a rich friable soil, 
yet all sections are greatly benefitted by irrigation, which is 
carried forward at a merely nominal cost as compared with the 
extent and certainty of crop raising resulting through its use. 
With irrigation, no uncertainty exists with crops as in sections 
which depend solely upon the rainfall for moistening the ground. 
Cereals of nearly all kinds thrive well, wheat, rye, barley and 
oats yielding large and profitable crops. Though corn does not 
flourish quite so well as in damper and warmer sections, it, 
nevertheless, makes a good showing. From thirty to thirty-five 
bushels per acre are considered as making a good showing for 
corn. Wheat runs frequently from forty to fifty bushels per 
acre, and is of a superior quality to that raised in most of the 
eastern states, the kernel being fuller and containing more nu- 
trition. Rust and blight, such as seriously affect the crops of 
the farmers in the east, never attack the growing cereals of the 
Colorado ranchmen. 

GARDENING AN IMPORTANT INDUSTRY. 

Adjacent to the Pueblos, gardening is fi.ist becoming an im- 
portant industry. Cabbage, beets, potatoes, parsnips, turnips, 
onions and the like, flourish exceedingly well and find ready 
markets at remunerative rates. The field for raising these vege- 
tables will undoubtedly increase with enlargement of the ])opu- 
lation. As many as three distinct vegetable crops have been 
grown upon the same ground during the same season, and with 
but a fair modicum of labor and a moderate outlay of means. 
Most of the small fruits are indigenous to the soil, and flourish 
finely under proper cultivation. Each successive year finds 
more and more cultivation, attention being directed to this in- 
dustry which proves to be as profitable as it is pl.easant. Straw- 
berries, blackberries, raspberries, gooseberries and other berries 
are all far more solid, succulent and nutritious than those reared 
in damper atmospheres, whilst their flavor is always equal, if not 
superior, to those of the states. Wild plums, cherries, currants 
and raspberries are found in profusion, especially the former, 
which are duly appreciated by the deft housewife in preserving 
season. The orchards already under cultivation in Pueblo 
county fully demonstrate that the several varieties of cherries 
and plums may be raised to advantage, as likewise apricots, 
peaches, pears and apples of the hardier varieties. The Arkan- 
sas valley, as it spreads invitingly out through this favored 
county, presents numerous flourishing orchards. True, most of 



Pueblo Counhj. 



II 



them are yet voung, but fruit has been gatliered from then- 
boughs which will compare favorably with that raised by our 
enterprising neighbors to the west of us in Utah and California. 

PASTURAGE OK THE PLAINS. 

The broad plains, with their short nutritious grasses, spread 
out fascinatingly before our vision furnishing ample pasturage 
for thousands^ upon thousands of cattle and sheep. fortune 
after fortune has been made out of the herds which course the 
plains of Pueblo and adjoining counties. Great and numerous 
as these have been, they are destined to sink into comparative 
insignificance before those which are to be secured in the future 
through wise investment in lands and animals. Through the 
rapid^)eopling of this section, coupled with its extended deve - 
.opment and largely improved methods of communication with 
the outer world, we are assured of a growing market and en- 
hanced values. Sheep raising forms a growing and profitable 
industry offering a sure return to men of small capital. Hay 
ranches are small fortunes in themselves. The ma.ntainance of 
these involves but a slight expenditure of money proportionate 
to the amount of capital invested. Horses, cattle and sheep 
can freely roam at large upon the fertile plains throughout the 
year without any deleterious results ensuing from the weather 
At all times, in all seasons, they can find a sufficiency of food 
on the ground to sustain life and keep them in good, marketable 
condition. 

DAIRYING AND POULTRY RAISING. 

Dairying is steadily growing in point of importance, and 
some 'of the choicest breeds of eastern and European stock are 
now found in our midst, being successfully crossed with our na- 
tive animals. A large demand exists for fresh pure milk and 
cream in the Pueblos. Creameries for the manufacture of butter 
and cheese are springing up, and give promise of cutting an im- 
portant figure in our industrial economy. Already, these home 
productions by reason of their superiority and freshness are be- 
linning to take the place of those of inferior quality brought 
from abroad. Another industry closely akm to the creameries, is 
found in the chicken ranches, as they are termed, where poultry 
is extensively raised by both the old method of setting-nens, and 
through the more modern and highly expeditious machine known 
as " the Incubator," from which the little chicks emerge having 
been hatched out of the eggs by artificial warmth. The demand 
for choice chickens, turkeys, geese and ducks is already large, 
and at remunerative rates. 

COMPARATIVE VALUE OK PROPERTIES. 

The annexed figures, forming the recapitulation of the re- 
ports of the Assessor of Pueblo County, Colorado, for the years 



1 2 Sketch of the Pueblos. 

1881 and 1882, give the reader a fair idea as to the extent of our 
resources and business: 

iSSi ■ 1882 

Number of acres of farming land 21,731 39.9o8 

Valuation thereof $214,678 $441,977 

Number of acres of meadow land 1,841 1'939 

Valuation thereof ;f!ii.405 $12,925 

Number of acres of pasturage 207,860 184,258 

Valuation thereof $255,610 $211,453 

Numl:)er of acres of timber land 475 1,101 

Valuation thereof $2,220 $2,875 

Improvements of land — Railroad property . . 955.525 1,100,120 

Improvements of land — City real estate . . . 1,173,080 1,818.301 

Number of horses .... 2.581 2,919 

Valuation thereof $93,074 $114,254 

Number of mules 181 315 

Valuation thereof $13,695 $20,625, 

Number of cattle 11.556 9.300 

Valuation thereof $127,865 $119,368 

Number of Sheep 10,580 1^,131 

Valuation thereof $14,046 $27,496 

VaJua'n improvem'ts on public and leased lands $61,110 $125,025 

Number of swine 281 324 

Valuation thereof $947 $1,586 

Number of all other animals 100 95 

Valuation thereof .$449 $54^ 

Number of clocks and watches 692 970 

Valuation thereof $13,411 $21,094 

Musical instruments 1 19 181 

Valuation thereof $11,396 $18,040 

Carriages and vehicles 651 866 

Valuation thereof $340,272 $478,844 

Amount of money and credits $139,880 $211,980 

Amount of capital in manufactures $9,030 $62,980 

Amount of capital in merchandise #359.^35 $785,340 

Shares of bank stock i-SOO 2.500 

Valuation thereof $80,000 $15^.900 

Valuation household goods $20,045 $32,445 

Valuation jewelry and plate $3,586 $44,151 

Amount of other properties $53-735 3134795 

Amount of insurance premiums $12,845 $39,450 

Total value of all property in the County . . . $4,439,400 $7,066,720 

Pueblo 1,558,125 2,464,558 

South Pueblo 956.885 1.918,209 

County outside 1,824,390 2,683,953 

Due allowance should be made for the customary undervalu- 
ation of property. The report, however, sliows a comparative 
average growth which is, at least, creditable. 



POSTSCRIPT. 



VALUATIONS FOR 1 88^. 



Since the foregoing abstract of the assessor's report was printed, 
lest injustice should be done the county, the following estimates have 
been made by the Directors of the Board of Trade of the Puel)los,as 
representing the actual value of several of the more important items 
of property in Pueblo County, for the year i883,to-wit : 

Improvements of land — railroad property • $ 5,500,000 

Improvements of land — city real estate 5,000,000 

Number of cattle 39.000 

Valuation of cattle $ 500,000 

Amount of money and credits, 650,000 

Amount of capital in manufactures, 2,000,000 

Amount of capital in merchandise - 2,000.000 

Valuation of household goods ^00,000 

Total value of all property in the county 20,000,000 

Property in Pueblo 6,000,000 

Property in South Pueblo 4.500,000 

County outside 9,500,000 



THE PUEBLOS. 



The Pueblos, or the Twin Cities of Pueblo, divided, as they 
are east and west, by the Arkansas river, form the great manu- 
facturing center of the Centennial State, second only in point 
of population to Denver, its capital. Within the inviting pre- 
cincts of the Pueblos are found twenty-five thousand prosperous 
and happy people. By reason of their fortunate geographical 
position, it is believed that the Pueblos are destined to become 
the leading manufacturing center between the Missouri river 
and the Pacific ocean. 

The word "Pueblo," which is derived from the Spanish, 
indicates " people," and it has long possessed a peculiar signifi- 
cation in Mexican countries where it really means a town or 
camp of vanquished Indians living in a condition of semi-civil- 
ization. 

The Pueblos lie nicely nestled in a beautiful cove or basin 
partially ♦surrounded by spurs of the Greenhorn range of the 
Rocky mountains, coursing northwestwardly and protecting the 
people here from the piercing winds which frequently blow with 
much violence, thus rendering the climate far more temperate 
and agreeable than that of other localities not so favorably 
sheltered. The comparatively low altitude of 4,500 feet is 
another most desirable feature in point of temperature in con- 
tradistinction to other localities in the state. 

THE HISTORY OF PUEBLO PROPER, 

Is one replete with incidents of rare interest. About two years 
previous to its foundation, Fountain City was laid out at the 
mouth of the Fontaine qui Bouille, near the site of the present 
Pueblos. This municipal bantling did not, however, flourish ; 
and soon resolved itself into a thing of the past. In June, i860, 
Pueblo was duly surveyed and platted. During the subsequent 
year, the rebellion began, and many of the residents joined 
either the Union or Confederate forces. This had a tendency to 
deplete our population, and it was not until after the close of the 
war that the title to the land-site of Pueblo, that on the north 
side, was duly perfected through appropriate congressional 
action. Small progress marked the next half decade of our 
history, but with the advent of the Denver & Rio Grande rail- 
way to this point, in the spring of 1872, and the assurance of 



14 Sketch of the Puehlos. 

the early completion of the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe road, 
a new era of substantial prosperity was ushered in, since which 
time, except during a few short intervals, the city has been 
growing in a most healthful and satisfactory manner. 

TRIPARTITE MUNICIPALITIES. 

Within the boundaries of the Pueblos are found three dis- 
tinct municipalities, all duly organized and well officered. The 
first is the original old town, or Pueblo, then Central Pueblo, a 
lively town lying contiguous to the banks of the Arkansas river, 
to the south of which is South Pueblo, a city full of life and 
enterprise. Farther on, out upon the broad and beautiful mesa, 
are found Bessemer and Steel Works town, thriving settlements 
of prosperous and progressive people. It is probable that, 
within a few years, the several cities and towns so closely con- 
tiguous, and all of which are aggregated in the mind of the 
beholder as Pueblo, will be consolidated into one grand munici- 
pality. Real estate is constantly enhancing in value as each 
successive year witnesses the erection of additional business and 
residence structures. As the rails reach forth into the devious 
defiles of our vast mountain country, business increases and 
numerous new-comers locate within our inviting borders, find- 
ing, as their reward, a pleasant and a profitable home. 

A GREAT RAILWAY CENTER. 

That Pueblo is going to become one of the greatest railway 
centers of the Rocky mountain region, there can be little or no 
doubt. Already the rails of the Rio Grande company, "the 
Baby road," virtually gridiron as well as environ the great 
mountain regions of our state, so rich in gold, silver, iron, cop- 
])er, lead, coal and other minerals. The Pueblo & Arkansas 
Valley railway company, with the Atchison, Topeka & Santa 
Fe road, completed its line to this point in 1875, thus giving to 
Southern Colorado a new outlet direct to the east. Early in 
1882, the Denver & New Orleans road was finished, since which 
time its trains have been running into Pueblo. Within a very 
brief period, the rails of the Rio Grande road have been ex- 
tended to Salt Lake City and Ogden, Utah, giving not only 
another direct route to Mormondom, but a new through line to 
San Francisco and other prominent points on the Pacific coast. 

SOUTH PUEBLO. 

Almost simultaneous with the comi^letion of "the Baby 
road," South Fueblo sprang into existence. Its site was secured 
originally by the Colorado Coal and Iron company, it having 
previously obtained control of the Nolan Land Grant, an old 
Spanish claim containing about forty-seven thousand acres of 
land running westvvardly from the Arkansas river at this place. 
It includes some of the richest mineral and best agricultural 



The Pueblos. 15 

lands in llie state. A vast and substantial stone structure is 
soon to be erected here as a union depot. When (:oin]:)leted, it 
will be one of the most commodious and handsome buildings of 
the kind in the western country. 

TRIBUTARY TO THE PUEBLOS, 

Is a large cordon of thriving towns and lively mining camps 
which are constantly growing, and which for a long series of 
years must draw steadily upon this quarter as the base of their 
supplies. All lines of merchandi.se are well represented, both 
in the wholesale and retail branches. Our merchants are 
enabled to compete successfully with tho.se of other commercial 
centers, and, that they are so doing, in a most eminent degree, 
the pages of their well-filled ledgers attest. 

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES. 

Despite the extensive and growing trade centering in our 
midst, splendid opportunities still present themselves to enter- 
prising men of money, experience and business tact. Aside 
from the several important industries already in successful opera- 
tion, room remains for many more, which will be properly 
patronized when under way. The field to this end is worthy of 
close inspection by those who are seeking a point for the profit- 
able investment of capital. The great steel works, the refinery, 
the smelters, and the other manufacturing establishments in oin- 
midst, are destined to be supplemented by other and like works, 
and this in the near future. Closely contiguous to the easily 
worked mineral fields of vast extent by reason of an unexcelled 
railway system, coupled with the cheapness of living, this local- 
ity can furnish the means of giving constant and remunerative 
employment to thousands upon thousands of industrious men. 
Great room exists for woolen factories, tanneries, stove works, 
machine shops and other industrial establishments of a like 
character. 

AN ENCOURAGING OUTLOOK. 

Already some such works as those just mentioned are in 
contemplation, whilst others are actually in the course of erec- 
tion. Capital thus invested and judiciously handled cannot go 
astray. It will yield ample returns to its owners for use in the 
proper development of our resources. That we can compete 
successfully in making and disposing of manufactured articles 
has been fully and satisfactorily demonstrated ; and this, too, in 
the face of the pertinent fact that labor is better compensated 
here than abroad. At the same time, we find, as a rule, that 
the raw material can be brought more advantageously to our 
doors to be formulated into articles of every day use. Other 
chapters in this pam])hlet, devoted more especially to the details 
of our great manufacturing establishments and leading industrial 



i6 



Sketch of the Pueblos. 



pursuits, will furnish the reader with the details of our greatness, 
both present and prospective. Hardly an essential element is 
lacking with us to make Pueblo a desiral)le point either for the 
investment of capital, or a place of residence. 

THE SOCIAL STATUS. 

Refined society exists, with all the fitting concomitants need- 
ful for its welfare. Churches, schools, theatres and other insti- 
tutions of culture incident to a well-regulated community are 
found here. A thorough and efficient police svstem prevails 
affording, at all times, the best of order with ample security to 




THK GRAND HoTKL. 

person and property. An extended line of street railway gives 
e:isy and cheap conveyance to the remoter portions of the 
Pueblos at the low rate of a nickel, and still less where tickets 
are purchased. A telephone system, established in 1880 ex- 
tends over both cities and to the steel works, affording a satisfac- 
tory day and night service. A telegraph messenger sVstem is in 
process of introduction. Gas and water works contribute to 
make our residences more enjoyable than though these important 



The Pueblos. i^ 

auxiliaries were only contemplative and not actual. Our streets 
are well lighted by gas, and the bright, brilliant blaze of the 
electric plants in the large manufacturing establishments lend 
luster to the other lights of night. Eleemosynary and other 
philanthropic institutions, giving succor to the sick, wounded 
and distressed members of humanity, have not been forgotten 
by our people. The Ladies' Benevolent Union and the Sisters 
of Charity each have a well-arranged hospital, whilst another 
establishment of like character is well conducted under the steel 
works' management. 

HEALTHFUL CONDITION OF AFFAIRS. 

The banks and other financial institutions are in a most 
healthful condition, and their business constantly increasing. 
Through the instrumentality of building associations, many of 
our citizens have secured themselves comfortable homes, and 
this in a manner free from great burdens. Hotels, large, hand- 
some and convenient abound, with ample accommodation for 
an increased patronage from abroad. Their rates are reasonable, 
their rooms commodious and comfortable, whilst their tables are 
supplied with inviting and seasonable edibles. Among the 
largest and handsomest buildings in Pueblo is the Grand Hotel, 
fronting on Santa Fe avenue and siding on Eighth street. 

THE GRAND HOTEL. 

It was begun in 1882 and completed in 1883. Inclusive of 
the spacious grounds on which the structure stands, the cost of 
the work upon it has aggregated $175,000. Its exterior walls 
are composed of pressed brick ornamented with stone trimmings. 
Rising to the height of four stories, it is surmounted by cupolas 
rising from the center and ends of its front and rear walls,. 
Fronting 130 feet on the avenue, it has a depth of 120 feet. 
Within its well arranged interior are to be found a large office, 
handsome parlors, extensive dining halls and attractive reception 
rooms, besides one hundred capacious chambers. 

GENERAL ITEMS OF INTEREST. 

The newspaper press is represented by daily and weekly 
publications. 

A commodious court house as well as the State Insane 
asylum are points of interest frequently visited. 

Two large flouring mills are constantly running, and to these 
may be added a goodly list of other smaller but quite important 
industrial works. 

The professions are well represented by able, energetic and 
successful men ; yet as the population expands, room will be 
found for more who possess ability and enterprise. 

The number of business and professional firms in the cities 
varies somewhat as time passes, but the following list will give 



1 8 Sketch of the Pueblos. 

an approximate idea ; agricultural implements, 2 ; architects, 7 ; 
assavers, i ; awning makers, i : bakers, 9 ; banks, 6 ; barber 
shops, 14; bath houses, 5; bottling works, 3; bill posters, i; 
blacksmith shops, 6 ; book-binderies, 2 ; book and stationery 
stores, 6 ; boot and shoe stores, 6 ; breweries, i ; candy makers, 
2; Chinese stores, 2; clocks and jewelry, 6; clothing, 10; 
coal dealers, 3 ; commission, 4 ; dentists, 6 ; druggists, 1 1 ; dry 
goods stores, 6 ; furniture, 3 ; plumbers and gas fitters, 6 ; gro- 
cery dealers, about 35 ; wholesale grocers, 3 ; guns and sports- 
man's goods. 2; hardware, 6; printing offices, 6; law firms, 
about 35 ; wholesale liquor dealers, 7; lumber yards, 4; music 
stores, 3; newspapers — daily, i; weekly, 4; monthly, 2; pho- 
tographers, 6; physicians, about 26; real estate offices, 16; 
soap makers, i ; tailor shops, 5 ; vinegar factory, i ; under- 
takers, 3. 

Bright as is Pueblo's present, her future appears to be more 
brilliant ; and fortunate, indeed, are they who cast their lot 
here whilst the golden opportunity offers rare inducements for 
people of enterprise to secure speedy competency coupled with 
so much else that goes towards making life pleasurable. 



PUEBLO AS A HOME. 



WHO SHOULD SEEK A HOME IN PUEBLO? 

It is the misfortune of all western cities that they are over- 
stocked with the non-producing classes. There are too many 
doctors, lawyers, clerks, saloon keepers and men seeking light 
and, so called, genteel occupations. Pueblo is no exception to 
the rule ; indeed, the prominence into which she has been 
forced, by her recent unprecedented prosperity, has caused a 
large number of the above named classes to flock to her borders, 
so that of the professions it has been jocularly said, "there are 
more doctors than patients, more lawyers than clients and more 
preachers than souls willing to be saved." Clerks are so thick 
upon the ground that they are not able to earn as much here as 
in the eastern states. There are, of course, exceptions to this 
rule. 

On the other hand, we do not know of an industrious me- 
chanic, or skilled workman of any kind, who is without employ- 
ment, except from his own volition. Some branches of retail 
mercantile business are overdone, notably the drug, liquor and 
clothing business. Of other branches the supply is about equal 
to the demand. We do not, however, know of a single whole- 
sale house too many; on the contrary, firms with capital and 
push may be established in almost any line and with certain 
prospects of success. Persons having capital to invest in real 
estate, and who are willing to wait, cannot fail to get rich, if 
they are at all prudent. The great want of the Pueblos is capi- 
tal, and men to start and operate manufacturing enterprises. 
From the manufacture of a lucifer match to a panel door, from 
a sewing needle to a steam engine, from a knit glove to a piece 
of broadcloth, a blanket or a carpet; there are few things in 
common use by man that cannot be profitably manufactured in 
the Pueblos. Good servants are in demand and command fair 
wages. Farmers and market gardeners can do well, on the 
banks of the river, near the city. Miners of every class may 
come with certain prospects of finding employment in the lime 
and stone quarries, coal mines and silver and gold mines scat- 
tered in every direction within a few miles of the city. A large 
amount of railway and other construction work present an in- 
viting field for the common laborer. People who come here 
should bring their families with them, with a view to i)ermanent 
settlement, and may do so with certain prospect of success. 



20 Sketch of the Puehlos. 

THE COST OF A HOUSE. 

Lots upon which homes can be built may be had all around 
the suburbs of the city at from $ioo to $i,ooo, according to 
location. The street railroads will enable a working man or 
small merchant to live sufficiently far out of town to enable him 
to purchase a lot at the lowest price and in the most healthy 
location. A house built of native lumber, or home-made brick, 
will cost no more in Pueblo than in any of the large eastern 
cities, but where fine Chicago or California lumber is used the 
cost will average one-fourth more. If some man skilled in the 
art of building grout houses would settle in Pueblo, he could 
make a fortune, since the material is abundant and cheap. The 
building societies are doing a good work in aiding the poor 
man to build a home. Small tenement houses are in great de- 
mand, and are good property, so that no man runs any great 
risk in building a neat little residence, even should he thereafter 
conclude not to use it for his own family. We know of nothing 
which offers a more certain and profitable return for the invest- 
ment of capital. 

BEAUTIFUL HOME SITES. 

Persons who have always lived amid green fields are apt to 
be disappointed at the barren aspect of the soil which prevails 
around all Colorado towns, except in the midsummer months, 
when the cactus and other native plants are in full bloom, but 
what we lack in verdure we make up in bold and grand scenery. 
The lofty peaks of the Rocky Mountains are ever in view, 
"mountains piled on mountains," so high that snow can be 
seen on their summits nearly every day in the year. Pueblo is 
peculiarly situated in this respect, having in full view nearly two 
hundred miles of mountain range, with Pike's Peak towering to 
the skies on the north and the Spanish Peaks on the south, be- 
tween which, and directly west of the city, is the Sangre de 
Christo, popularly known as the Greenhorn, range. Denver is 
regarded, by strangers, as one of the most beautiful cities in the 
world, but had these seen the Denver of twenty years ago, they 
would have regarded it as the most barren and unpromising spot 
they had ever beheld. Irrigation and good taste have there 
made " the desert to blossom as the rose." Still there is a flat- 
ness about Denver which greatly detracts from its beauty. 
Pueblo, on the contrary, with her mesa and bottom lands, her 
bluffs and plains, her winding river and groves of cotton trees, 
give variety to the landscape. The time will come when the 
beautiful bluff will be terraced and adorned with grass, flowers, 
fruit and ornamental trees. Already this work has commenced, 
and, as the city grows in wealth and importance, she will be far 
more beautiful than Denver can possibly be made. Nature has 
done well her part, and it remains only for Art to give the coup- 



Piieblo as a Home. 



21 



de-grace to complete the work of making this one of the most 
delightful and fertile cities on the face of the earth. The 
amount of vegetation that may be raised, wherever water for 
irrigation can be secured, is beyond ordinary credulity. The 
city is a place of almost perpetual sunshine, and the sky is so 
clear that a mountain peak can be distinctly seen a hundred 
miles away. The oxygen and ozone that form a part of the air 
we breathe are so abundant that breathing becomes a luxury, 
and the abundance of electricity that pervades the atmosphere 
stimulates the brain and nerves, and makes one feel that life is 
worth the living. 

THE COST OK LIVING IN PUEBLO. 

After mature consideration and conversation with our mer- 
chants, we have concluded to copy from the retail market 
reports' of one of our newspapers, as the most reliable and satis- 
factory method of answering the question, "what does it cost to 
live in Pueblo?" The following list has been corrected up to 
the day of going to press, and we have no doubt that our readers 
will be surprised alike at the variety and cheapness of articles of 
food sold in this extreme western city. 



FAMILY RETAIL MARKET. 



FUEL. 

Elk Mountain Anthracite, per ton 
Canon lump and egg coal, " 

Canon nut coal, per ton 

D & N. O. coal, " 

Coke, per loo lbs 

Coal oil, per gallon. 

Cedar wood, per cord 

Stove A'ood, per load 

DAIRY PRODUCTS, EIC. 

Butter, choice, per pound 

Butter, ordinary roll, per pound- 
Cheese, full cream, " "^ •■ 
Cheese, Edam, " " ■• 

Milk, per quart 

Eggs, per dozen ' 

Honey, comb, pei pound 

Extracted do, per 2-pound can... 
Extracted do, candied, bulk, lb... 

FLOUR, BREAD, ETC. 

Flour, best Colorado, loo lbs.. .$3 

Graham do, per hundred 

Corn meal, per hundred 

Oat meal, per pound 

Baker's bread, per loaf. 

Crackers, soda, per pound 

Milk do, per pound 

MEATS. 

Breakfast bacon, per pound.... 
Beef, porter house steak, lb ... 

Roast do 

Ham, per pound 

Mutton, " 

Pork, fresh, per pound 

Salt pork, " " 

Sausage, per pound . 

Lard, Packing Co.'s, per lb... 

Butcher's do, per pound 

Chickens, live, per dozen 



fe 00 
5 00 
4 00 

3 50 
20 

30 

4 00 



35(«)45 

20ft?! 2 5 

25 

30 

30 
30 

35 



3 25 
2 75 



5/3 
1V2 



i2'4f«'5 

18 
I2j4wi5 

15 

15 

15 

17 , 

$6 00 



Spring chickens, each 

Turkeys, dressed, per pound .. 

Geese, dressed, per pound 

Smoked venison hams, per lb. 

FISH. 

Lake fish, fresh, per potuid.... 
Fresh sea fish, " " — 
Fresh river fish, " 

GREEN FRUITS. 

Apples, per pound 

Cranberries, per gallon 

Lemons, per dozen 

Oranges, per dozen 

VEGETABLES. 

Beans, dry Lima, per pound... 

Navy beans, per pound 

Cabbage, per pound 

Onions, per pound 

Potatoes, in loo-lb sacks, lb... 
Turnips, new, per pound. 

Pickles, per gallon 

Chili Colorado, per pound 

GREEN VEGETABLES. 

Lettuce, per bunch 

Asparagus, per bunch 

Onions, per pound 

Cucumbers, each 5'" 

Radishes, per bunch 

Spinach, per pound 

Parsley, per biuich 

Rhubarb, per bunch 

New potatoes, per pound 

Cauliflower, per pound 

Peas, per gallon 

GROCERIES. 

Tea, best varieties, per lb 81 00(0)1 

Sugar, white granulated, per lb 



i5@3>^ 

15@20 



1 00 

40(0) 50 
25@50 

iofnii2^ 
8 
6 
3 

i'/iCa)z 
5 

40® 75 
50 



25 

12j^ 



Sketch of the Pueblos. 



Coffee, Java, per pound 33 

Rio coffee, per pound 15^20 

Roasted coffee 20 

Syrup and N^O. molasses, gal i oo(S 1 25 

Rice, per pound 10 

Vinegar, per gallon 35('' 40 

Soap, Pueblo laundry, per bar 6]^ 



ing to locality 82 5o@5 00 

Furnished rooms, per month...8 oo@is 00 
Board and lodginj;, per week, 

first class 10 00 

Average board and lodging.... 7 00 

Board without lodging, week, 4 oo@7 00 
Water, Holly system, month, 2 00 

Well water with some tenements free. 



RENTS AND BOARD. 

Residences, per room, accord- 

MEANS OF EARNING A LIVING IN PUEBLO. 

^Vhen asked to remove to a new country the prudent man's 
first question is, "What are the chances of earning a living?" 
To enable us to answer this question, so far as Pueblo is con- 
cerned, we have personally visited men who are engaged in the 
occupations named below and questioned them respecting the 
wages received. The amounts giveiv below are the result of 
these inquiries and are therefore reliable. 

WAGES PAID IN PUEBLO. 



Bakers, J50 to S75 per month, with board. 

Barbers, J3 per day. 

Bartenders, 175 to fioo per month. 

Blacksmiths, $3 per day. 

Brewers, 85 per day. 

Brickmakers, S4 per day. 

Bricklayers, ^4 to S5 per day. 

Boot and shoe makers, S2.50 to 1^,3 per day. 

Bottlers, $2.50 to S4.00 per day. 

Butchers, $1.50 to I3 per day. 

Cabinet makers S3 to $3.50 per day. 

Car drivers, S55 to jf!6o per month. 

Carpenters, $2 50 to $3 per day. 

Cigar makers, I2.50 to $3 50 per day. 

Clerks, S50 to $^125 per month. 

Clerks, female, 825 to 850 per month. 

Cooks, male, 830 to 8100 per month, with 

board. 
Cooks, female, 830 to 850 per month, with 

board. 
Dress makers, 824 to 830 per month. 
Hack drivers, 855 per month. 
Herders, 830 to 850 per month, with board. 
Laborers, common, .81.50 to 82.50 per day. 
Laborers, in smelters, Si-75 per day. 
Machinists, 83 to $4 per day. 
Masons, (stone) 83.50 to 84.50 per day. 
Miners, (stone) ?3.5o to 8450 per day. 
Miners, (coal) 84 per day. 
Miners, (gold and silver) ^3 to 84 per day. 



Moulders (foundry men) 83 to $3.50 per day. 

Millers, 82 to 84.25 per day. 

Painters, 84 per day. 

Plumbers, J3.50 to $4 per day. 

Plasterers, ;f4 per day. 

Paper hangers, 54 per day. 

Printers, evening papers, 35c per 1,000 ems. 

Printers, morning paper, 40c per 1,000 ems. 

Planing mill hands, 81 50 to 82.50 per day. 

Police officers, S75 per month. 

Servants, $20 to 835 per month, with board. 

Soap makers 85 per day. 

Steward, hotel, 875 to 8100 per month. 

Teamsters, $2 per day. 

Tailors, 84 to 85 per day. 

Tinsmiths, 83 per day. 

Waiters, 820 to 830 per month, with board. 

Watchmakers, 82 to 83 per day. 

Wagonmakers, ^3 per day. 

RAILROAD HANDS. 

Conductors, 8100 per month. 
Locomotive engineers, 8100 per month. 
Firemen, 875 per month. 
Brakemen, $60 per month. 
Trackmen, S1.50 to $2 50 per day. 
Common railroad laborers, 81 50 to $z. 
Repair shop hands 82 to 82.75. 
Railroad car cleaners, $2 per day. 



THE CLIMATE OF PUEBLO. 

The climate of the Centennial state has been long, and justly, 
regarded as equal to the best on the face of the earth. Tliose 
who, by a residence in both, have had an opportunity of making 
the comparison, are free to confess, that the climate of Italy is 
not equal to that of Colorado. There are thousands of people 
now living in this state who came here confirmed invalids, but 
who have been restored and are enjoying excellent health. Many 
who were impatient have left this state for Europe, Minnesota, 
California, Florida and other health resorts, but after a time have 
returned and ultimately confessed that our climate is superior to 
that of any other section on the face of the earth. To specify 



Pueblo as a Home. 



23 



any particular class of patients who would be especially benefit- 
ted, would be absurd. We know of no class, who would not be 
benefitted, when the disease with which they are inflicted is not 
absolutely incurable, and there can be no question that hundreds 
of incurable cases have been greatly benefited, and their lives pro- 
longed by residing here. It is, however, proper to remark that 
many have been seriously injured, and not a few lives have been 
sacrificed by diseased persons going to the higher altitudes im- 
mediately on tlieir arrival in this state. Had such been advised 
by their physcians or friends to remain in Pueblo, there can be 
no question that scores would now be living who have been sent 
to their home.; in coffins. Did si)ace permit, we could in proof, 
give numerous instances which have come under the i)ersonal 
observation of physcians during a long continued practice of 
medicine in this state. The superior advantages of Pueblo over 
all other points in Colorado, consist in this being the lowest 
place in this state where an invalid may receive the fiill benefit 
of our mountain breezes. 

ALTITUDES OF CHIEF COLORADO CITIES. 



Fairplay 9,964 

Breckinridge 9,674 

Central City , 8,300 

Nevada 8,800 

Lake City 8,550 

Rosita 8,500 

Georgetown 8,400 

Silver Cliff 7,753 

Durango 6,250 

Alamosa 7,191 

Manitou 6,-97 

Black Hawk 7,975 

Conejos 7,880 



Del Norte 7, 75° 

Saguache 7,745 

Hot Sul. Sp'gs.. 7.745 

Idaho Springs 7 .500 

Colorado Springs 6,023 

Trinidad 5,005 

Cucharas 5,956 

Golden 5,729 

Boulder 5,536 

Canon City 5,260 

Denver 5,224 

Pueblo 4,400 

Leadville : 10,200 



Here the air is pure and invigorating. Ozone, oxygen and 
electricity, the three great restorative elements, abound in our 
atmosphere. Miasmatic diseases are unknown, except among 
those patients who come here with malarial poison in their blood. 
There are more sunshiny days in Pueblo, than in any place 
we know of. The winters are especially delightful, and although 
sometimes the summers are hot, the heat is less oppressive than 
that of humid districts. The air is so dry that moisture from 
perspiration is absorbed as fast as it appears on the surface, and 
the nights are always cool and refreshing. The ozone, the pur- 
ifying element in the atmosphere, is so abundant that impure, 
or decaying matter is instantly acted upon, and unpleasant smells 
are seldom noticed, even in back premises where cleanliness and 
sanitary regulations are neglected. The atmosphere, surcharged 
by this ozone, becomes a natural disinfectant, and .meats are fre- 
quently hung up for weeks in the open air without spoiling. 
For nine months in the year invalids can live in perfect com- 
fort in tents, and during the period of scarcity of houses in 
Pueblo, many families have done so the year round and that 
without serious discomfort. It is a common thing for persons 



24 Sketch of the Pueblos. 

to live in tents in Pueblo, while building a permanent residence 
and many invalids have done so from choice and to great ad- 
vantage to health. A poor man with a family and only enough 
money to purchase a tent, can live comfortably and have no rent 
to pay except perhaps a very small ground rent on some vacant 
lot. Invalids can thus pitch their tents near to one of our 
artesian wells, and at a ver.y trifling cost get the full benefit of 
Pueblo's mineral water. 

It cannot be expected that all sick persons who come here 
can be restored to health. The misfortune is that people remain 
in the east until the fatal stage has approache'd, and only when 
death is staring them in the face do they flee for their lives. If 
physicians would deal more honestly with patients and advise 
them to come to Pueblo before their stock of vitality has been 
well nigh exhausted, tens of thousands of valuable lives would 
be saved. These remarks should apply with great force to cases 
of invalids suffering with pulmonary diseases. 

If the above statements be true, and the climate of Pueblo, 
admirably adapted to restore the sick, it follows as a logical 
sequence that it must be a healthy place for the well and a grand 
climate in which to rear a family. A physician who has prac- 
ticed medicine in South Pueblo for nearly six years and has had 
more than his share of obstetrical practice, says that, so far, not 
a single child born under his care has died, but they are among 
the most healthy and robust children to be found anywhere. 
No more severe test of the salubrity of any climate can possibly 
be found. 

PUEBLO ARTESIAN WELLS. 

The mountain towns of Colorado, almost without exception, 
are supplied with the best and purest of waters. The sources of 
these are fountains fed by the ever melting snow. The valley 
towns are not so fortunate, having, until recently, been depend- 
ant solely upon rivers which run through districts impregnated 
with alkali and other impurities. We know of none of the 
cities of the plains which have, in this respect, advantages one 
over the other. The waters of all are alike impure. Recently, 
however, Pueblo has been highly fortunate in the discovery of 
valuable artesian wells, of which there are three, one at the steel 
works, one in the grove in South Pueblo, and one in Worrall 
Park, on the beautiful mesa, or table land. The waters from 
these wells may indeed be appropriately called "the waters of 
life." The average depth of borings is about eleven hundred 
feet, and the living fountains springing from this depth make 
very pools of Siloani, in which hundreds have bathed and been 
healed; fountains of life at which thousands have drunk and 
been cured. The medicinal properties of the Pueblo wells con- 
sist in iron, magnesia, potassium, sodium, bromides, chlorides, 
and other valuable ingredients. They are highly magnetic, 



Pueblo as a Home. 



25 



and for rheumatism, urinary diseases, and all diseases of the 
blood demanding the exhibition of alteratives, are unsurpassed. 
The tonic properties of the water are seldom equalled. It is 
not pretended that these medicinal waters can at all times be 
used indiscriminately without some risk, but under the advice of 
a skillful physician it is cpiestionable whether the world can ])ro- 
duce healing streams of greater intrinsic value. In the develoj)- 
ment of these wells and the erection of hotels and sanitariums 
the capitalist from abroad would find one of the most profitable 
of investments. The craze for purchase of land and erection of 
buildings has caused the present citizens of Pueblo to overlook 
the immense pecuniary advantages which might be derived from 
the utilization of these valuable artesian wells. That they 
should have remained so long neglected will, in the future, be 
regarded as one of the most extraordinary things connected with 
the history of the Pueblos. There is not a mannfiictory, smelter, 
or business of any kind that will bring more wealth to the cities 
than these wells. It is merely a question of time when the 
Pueblos will become the Saratoga of the west, since, in addition 
to the healing waters, which are equal or superior to those of 
New York's most popular sanitarium, we have the incomparable 
air, the invigorating climate and magnificent mountain scenery 
which combined must, in time, bring thousands and tens of 
thousands to the city in pursuit of health and pleasure. 




SSgE'lS", "'""' Mill' r ^u 



CtNTENNIAL SCHOOL. 



CHURCHES OF THE PUEBLOS. 



The great and excellent Washington, in his farewell address 
to the people of the United States, said: "Of all the disposi- 
tions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and 
morality are indispensable supports." 

No community can, in the present age, live and succeed 
without religious institutions. Society, to find the living and 
permanent roots of prosperity, must resort to religion, and in it 
recognize the cause of the ripest and truest civilization of all 
the earth. The sanctuary is as indispensable to civilization as 
the court house or the school. 

Pueblo, in these things, keeps step with the age, and is not a 
whit behind the chiefest of the cities. The religious outlook for 
our city is most promising. Few communities are so abundantly 
supplied with religious privileges. No less than seventeen places 
of worship throw open their doors upon each returning Sabbath. 
Those who come among us, settling on our virgin soil, giving 
toil and thought to the development of our vast material wealth, 
may find churches of almost every faith ready to meet them, 
stretching out hands of welcome, sympathy and help. Mem- 
bers of churches will find earnest, devoted, cultured, scholarly 
ministers of the gospel ready to preach to them, make pastoral 
calls among them, hold counsel with them, doing their work 
with kindness, courtesy and piety. 

The oldest church organization is St. Peter's Protestant 
Episcopal Church, which was organized in 1867, and whose 
house of worship was erected upon the corner of Santa Fe 
avenue and Seventh street, in 1868. The present pastor is Rev. 
E. H. Gaynor. 

The First Methodist Episcopal Church was organized 
April 22, 1870; completed their church building, situated on 
the corner of Main and Seventh streets, about the year 187 1. 
The membership of the church numbers 91 ; the Sunday school 
about 120. The society owns a neat parsonage next door to its 
church. 

The First Presbyterian Church, of Pueblo, is now (1883) 
twelve years old, has 132 members, is self-supporting, and owns 
property in the heart of the city. Has a church building and 
parsonage worth 59,000. Rev. H. B. Gage is the settled pastor, 
who has been with the church nearly four years. Out of this 
church two other churches have been formed, with every pros- 



28 Sketch of the Piicblos. 

pect of satisfactory growth and usefulness, and its benevolent 
contributions have been marked by liberality and prudence. 

The Methodist Episcopal Church, South, has a nice 
brick edifice newly fitted up near the site of the contemplated 
new Union depot. Has a membership of something over 60, is 
self-supporting and out of debt. Has a church building and 
parsonage worth $6,000, and Rev. Geo. Needham for its pastor. 

The Roman Catholics have a fine church edifice completed 
upon the Mesa, are erecting another in the northern part of 
Pueblo, which will be a large, commodious edifice, and a credit 
to the community. They are pushing all departments of their 
church work with their accustomed vigor and sagacity. 

The Pueblo Baptist Church was organized in November, 
1872. They are now erecting a fine stone church edifice, on 
the corner of Ninth and High streets, which will be constructed 
in the most thorough and durable manner of the best of mate- 
rials, and the largest in Southern Colorado. Their present 
pastor is Rev. S. L. Holman, who has been with them about 
fourteen months. 

The Mesa Presbyterian Chuch, of South Pueblo, was 
organized April 13, 1882, has a membership of 40, is in good 
financial condition and is looking forward to the erection, at an 
early day, of a house of worship. Rev. W. A. Mackey is the 
present efficient pastor. 

The Baptist Church on the Mesa, South Pueblo, was or- 
ganized June I, 1881. A neat brick chapel was built in a 
convenient location and paid for. Rev. J. B. Read, their first 
pastor, commenced labor with them April, 1883. -^ good 
congregation has been gathered, the church is out of debt, and 
the outlook is promising. 

The East Pueblo Congregational Church was organ- 
ized April 16, 1882, and a new house of worship dedicated on 
the same date. The building is a neat frame, capable of seating 
about 300 persons, and cost about $2,000. This church occupies 
a very important section of our city, and has for its present 
pastor Rev. R. W. Purdue. 

The Central Christian Church, worshiping in the Mont- 
gomery Opera House, was organized December 17, 1882, with 
a membership of 35. Their present pastor is Rev. A. H. 
Mulkey. They have a membership of 40, witli encouraging 
prospects. 

The South Pueblo Congregational Church, Rev. C. S. 
Harrison, pastor, has a good house of worship, worth $4,000 ; 
situated on the mesa. Its organization dates from August, 
1878. Good congregations attend the services and they have a 
membership of 45. 

In addition to these we have the M. E. Church (Colored) 
of Pueblo; Rev. Alexander, pastor. 
_ South Pueblo M. E. Church. Rev. J. C. Green pastor. 



Churches of the Pueblos. 29 

Church of the Holy Trinity, Protestant Episcopal, 
South Pueblo, Rev. S. C. Gaynor, rector. 

Bessemer Presbyterian Church, Rev. J. L. Reed, pastor. 

Cumberland Presbyterian Church, South Pueblo. Rev. 
C. E. Long, pastor. 

Swedish Evangelical Lutheran Church, F. Lagerman, 
pastor. 

A Baptist church (colored) just organized. 

By the side of the churches, and to complete their instruc- 
tion to all classes, there have been organized not less than 25 
Sunday schools, whose ever increasing numbers are supplied by 
superior teachers, among whom may be found men and women 
of the highest culture and social standing. You will hardly 
find a church in the Pueblos that has not its benevolent society, 
and private benevolence, which is always best, is also carrying 
on its work independent of all societies. 

Religious life is here a reality. The clergymen are, as a 
body, superior, educated, toiling, God-fearing men. Among 
them there is very little of that mode of thought which seeks to 
make religionists and forgets to make men. The sectarian spirit 
with the narrowness, with its traditions, its exaggerations of 
trivial nonessentials, is certainly not predominant. 




COU.MV CliURT house. 



EDUCATIONAL ADVANTAGES. 



Education is the great bulwark of civil liberty. 

There is an opinion, prevalent and widespread, that the 
people of new states are not proverbial for the attention they 
devote to the great cause of education ; that we must look to 
the older states for examples in this direction ; that the people 
of newer communities haye neither the time nor the inclination 
to foster or encourage common schools, or other educational 
enterprises ; that the race for wealth absorbs the attention of the 
western pioneers, to the exclusion of mental culture. That this 
may be true, in a qualified sense, in some of the western states, 
I concede ; that it is not true of Colorado, I boldly affirm. 
That our people have all of that western push, energy and en- 
terprise, so necessary to financial success, no one familiar with 
them can deny; but with attributes so important for business 
success, they have a thorough appreciation of the benefits result- 
ing from a liberal education, and have laid deep and firm the 
foundations of an admirable system of public schools, unsur- 
passed by that of any other state in the union. The standard 
of education, here, is deservedly high, and an earnest effort is 
being made by the friends of free schools, to make the schools 
of the Centennial state, models of efficiency and grand results. 
Our people, as a rule, seem to comprehend what is necessary to 
meet the requirements of this grand work, in order to reach 
the highest attainable possibilities of the system ; and I am 
happy to feel warranted in saying that the people of Pueblo 
county are not behind those of their sister counties in the state, 
in giving force and effect to their admirable plan of popular ed- 
ucation. They fully realize the high importance of building 
and equipping comfortable, capacious and well ventilated school 
houses; of supplying them with all the modern, improved appli- 
ances for effective school work ; of employing none but able and 
distinguished educators as principals of schools, and none but 
trained, efficient teachers for department work, and] then to fur- 
nish them tlie proper tools to work with. 

The Pueblos, cities and county, have many and varied at- 
tractions : In their splendid climate, cultured people, diversified 
industries, grand railway system, which is fully matured ; men 
of eminence in all of the professions, women of no less emi- 
nence in all that goes to make up a grand womanhood, they have 



Educational Advantages. 31 

much to point to with pride; but to our public schools, those 
nurseries of a higher civilization, we can all point with feelings 
of gratitude, for what they have done — are doing — for the 
elevation of the growing generation. The Boards of Education of 
the Pueblos are entitled to most honorable mention for the manly 
part they have borne in pushing forward this grand civilizing 
work. The Board of Pueblo, remodeled and refurnished the 
Centennial school building, and have made it second to no pub- 
lic school house in the state. It is three stories high, has eight 
study rooms, with a seating capacity for 400, is heated by Ruttan 
furnaces, is thoroughly ventilated, well supplied with all the 
modern improvements and appliances necessary to comfort, 
convenience and thorough school work. It is surrounded by a 
campus oi a full block. They have erected a good school edifice 
in East Pueblo, called the "Fountain School House." It is 
three stories high, has a seating capacity for 200, is heated by 
the Ruttan furnaces, has a good campus, and is, also, well sup- 
plied with all needed furniture, etc., to meet the demands of a 
good school. They have also erected an artistic school building 
on Seventh street, and have named it "The Hindsdale," as a 
compliment to the late Gov. Hinsdale, than whom Pueblo never 
had a man more upright, worthy and public spirited. This 
building is three stories high, has a seating capacity for 350, 
heated as the others, and will be finished and furnished with 
everything needed to meet the requirements of a progressive 
people of this advancing age. It will be provided with a large 
600 pound bell, and the house will be ready for occupancy 
in the early days of September. Schools were taught during 
the past year in the old adobe school house, also in a rented 
building on Main street, the two having a seating capacity for 
250 pupils. Other school houses are in contemplation to meet 
the demands of our rapidly increasing population. 

The Board of Education of the city of South Pueblo are no 
less enterv^rising. They have made the mesa brick school build- 
ing a very excellent school house. It is two stories, has a 
seating capacity for near 300, has four study rooms 22x33 feet, 
recitation room ; all heated by stoves, and is well equipped 
with the best of modern furniture and tools for teachers' work. 
They have erected a stone high school building — "The Central 
Hi<^h School," three stories high, in size 60x98 feet inside, seven 
study rooms, two class rooms, one assembly room 30x60 feet, 
Chemical laboratory 30x32 feet, with four janitor's rooms ; all 
heated with Ruttan furnaces. This house is artistically arranged 
and faultlessly supplied with everything necessary for the highest 
recpiirements, is one of the best school buildings in the state, is 
a grand, imposing tribute to the cause of education, and reflects 
the highest honor upon the enterprising board. They are ar- 
ranging to build a two room school house at Bessemer, which 
will be arranged and furnished on a scale to keep pace with the 



32 Sketch of the Pueblos. 

grand march of tliat marvellous embryo city. The board have 
been compelled to lease a church and a two-room building to 
subserve the purposes of our "southern sister," which is rapidly 
assuming metropolitan proportions. Other school houses will 
be builded from time to time, until the supply shall equal the 
demand. 

In this connection, I take occasion to say that the public 
school houses of the Pueblos stand as graceful monuments to 
the wisdom, energy and devotion of the respective boards to the 
great educational interests of the "twin cities," and no less so 
to our citizens generally, who pay for them without a murmur. 

COUNTRY SCHOOLS. 

Of the Boards of Directors of the country schools, I can 
only speak in praise. As a rule, they apprehend the importance 
of a larger breadth in education, and of increasing the facilities 
for a more thorough, practical course of instruction. To these 
ends, they are building better school houses, seating and furn- 
ishing them more in accordance with modern plans, voting more 
taxes for the support of schools, employing better teachers, pay- 
ing them better salaries and have longer terms of schools. In 
some districts, the population of school age is so sparse that 
parents are compelled to contribute of their private means to 
keep up the schools, where the school fund is inadequate to that 
purpose. When I assumed the duties of my present position, 
there were some six districts that had no standing as districts, 
had dropped out of line, had no schools; now every district in 
Pueblo County, that has a child of school age, is back in line, 
running smoothly and well. The character of the country 
schools, considering they are ungraded, ranks deservedly high ; 
many of the teachers occupy a front rank in the army of edu- 
cators, and, altogether, there is much in the conduct and success 
of the country schools to inspire the friends of popular educa- 
tion with renewed courage and hope. 

Elsewhere I speak approvingly of the public spirit and enter- 
prise of the Boards of Education in the cities, in building and 
furnishing such elegant school houses; but they are entitled to 
a higher meed of praise for the discernment displayed in the 
selection of principals to take charge of the schools of both 
cities, as well as to fill the deiurtments with true, tried, trained 
assistants of exalted private and professional woith. 

Prof. J. S. McClung, City Superintendent of the Pueblo 
schools, is a ripe scholar, an indefatigable worker, an excellent 
disciplinarian, a good executive ; suave and kind to his assistants, 
firm and unbending in the enforcement of order and decorum, 
broad and practical in his methods of school work; in fine, a 
thorough educator, under whose superintendency the schools of 
Pueblo have become second to none in the state. 



Educational Advantages. 33 

The course of study in the grades below the High School is 
very much the same as those used in the graded schools through- 
out the country. Tlie High School course requires four years to 
complete it. 

Instruction in vocal music is under the direction of a special 
teacher, Prof. R. L. Kent, and is continued throughout the en- 
tire course. , 

Prof. F. B. Gault, Principal of the South Pueblo Schools, 
comes among us highly indorsed for his scholarship, moral worth, 
and for his effective school work. Notwithstanding the brief 
time he has been over those schools, the disadvantages under 
which he has labored, intensified by a sad bereavement in his 
family, he has already fully demonstrated his eminent fitness for 
the arduous duties he has assumed. He, like his co-laborer on 
the other side of the river, is thoroughly practical in his methods of 
school work; he discards surface or technical education, labors 
to improve the morals, broaden the mind, and to develop the 
highest physical possibilities of those committed to his care ; 
having the great aim in view to make his pupils enter manhood 
and womanhood with high and clear conceptions of their moral 
obligations, and to fit them the better for the varied duties and 
responsibilities of active social and business life. 

It has been almost impossible to provide suitable accommo- 
dations and facilities commensurate with the rapid increase of 
the school population of South Pueblo. Very complete pro- 
visions for the schools in the way of buildin_gs have recently been 
made by the completion of two ward school houses, which, to- 
gether with a ward school building erected several years ago, and 
the Central High School building, recently finished and fur- 
nished, afford at present ample room and excellent facilities for 
the education of the youth of this rapidly growing section of 
the Pueblos. 

The Central High School building deserves special mention, 
not only on account of its imposing external appearance, but for 
the higher reason that for convenience, comfort and adaptation 
to the demands made upon it, doubtless it is unsurpassed by any 
similar structure in the United States. 

The basement story consists of fuel rooms and janitor's apart- 
ments. Besides there is a fine large hall or lecture room, and a 
room for Physical and Chemical Laboratory. The first floor 
consists of four large rooms, each provided with a wardrobe, and 
closets at rear of the teacher's rostrum. The second floor con- 
sists of the assembly room of the High School department, with 
recitation rooms, room for library, museum, and Superintendent's 
office. 

This building affords a home for the High School and Gram- 
mar departments, to which the Primary departments located in 
the three ward buildings are tributary. 



34 Sketch of the Pueblos. 

The schools are liberally supplied with maps, charts, globes 
' and other apparatus, and possesses the nucleus of a public school 
library. 

The school system comprises three departments, Primary, 
Grammar and High School, each department requiring for the 
completion of its course four years of school attendance. Thus 
the entire course comprises twelve grades, and requires for its 
completion twelve years of school attendance. 

A course of study has recently been prepared which is, on 
the one hand, the outgrowth of the carefully considered needs 
and conditions of the schools, and on the other hand, has in 
view a high standard of excellence, being the work of one who 
has given the study and investigation of school systems and 
methods of instruction and management years of close applica- 
tion. The general aim is to have the course of instruction accord 
with the true order of the growth of child mind, providing for 
rational, steady and thorough development of all the faculties of 
the child. Mindful of the fact that the school is for the child, 
to assist hini in attaining his highest good, and not the child for 
the school, the system of instruction is such as aims specifically 
to secure quick perception, careful reflection and correct judg- 
ment, and at the same time arouse and quicken the moral senti- 
ment, thus giving the best possible equipment for the duties and 
responsibilities of life. 

The course of study is supplemented by a syllabus of work 

and instruction prepared for each branch in every grade. By 

this method the Superintendent carefully plans and directs the 

work of each class, omitting what is useless and out of date, 

placing special stress upon the useful and essential. In many 

cases entirely new lines of work are substituted, thus adding to 

the interest and profit of the school, by adapting the quality of 

the instruction to particular cases and necessities. All new and 

progressive ideas touching methods of instruction in reading, 

arithmetic, language, composition and geography are carefully 

weighed, and whenever and wherever adapted to the work in 

I hand are applied. We predict for these schools a bright future, 

\ a record that will attract, but not disappoint, all who seek good 

Ve^ucational advantages for their children. 

It would be invidious to mention a portion of the department 
teachers, and not name all; but as there are too many to men- 
tion in detail, I can say, that as a rule, with scarcely an exception, 
they are pre-eminently fitted for their various stations, both by a 
broad culture and an earnest devotion to school work. It is not 
saying too much of those able educational adjuncts, to say that 
much of the pronounced success of the schools of our cities is 
due to them, for they have labored ably and faithfully to supple- 
ment the work of their chiefs. They deserve well of the patrons 
of the schools, of all right-thinking people, and I am happy in 



Educational Advantages. 



35 




CENTRAL HK;H SCHOCIL. 

being able to say that a discerning public fully appreciates them 
at their exalted worth. 

I do not say that the schools of the Pueblos are the very ^es^ 
in the state ; but I have no hesitancy in saying that they are in- 
ferior to none in our grand young commonwealth, or in the 
west, for that matter. 

Persons who meditate a removal to either of the Pueblos to 
make it their home, need not hesitate to make the venture on 
account of the character of our Public Schools, for they will 
find them to be equal to the most enlarged demands. From the 
Primary departments to the High Schools, the character of the 
work will commend itself to the most critical and exacting 
friends of popular education. All who come with a desire to 
find a pleasant home, may come in the full assurance that they 
will find school facilities here equal, if not superior, to those 
they have heretofore enjoyed. 

The paramount objects of our instructors are to promote the 
morals, expand and improve the mind, and to discipline and 
develop the body of the pupils. No Procrustean bed is used to 
accomplish these desirable ends; corporal punishment is but rarely 
resorted to, never except in extreme cases; but kindness and 



36 Sketch of the Pueblos. 

firmness are the governing agencies in our schools, and experi- 
ence has demonstrated their vast superiority over austere means, 
which only produce fear. 

Whatever may be said of our people in regard to their moral 
and social relations, or of this locality as a grand sanitarium or 
great commercial center, and neither need shrink from the most 
searching ordeal, or dread the closest criticism in these respects, 
our educational system, its administration and its administrators, 
will not fail to challenge the highest admiration of all who are, 
or may become, familiar with them, and who are the true friends 
of the poor man's college, the public schools. 

Such is a brief, unvarnished presentation of our educational 
advantages, which is neither overdrawn nor embellished, and I 
feel confident that all who come and test the truth of the fore- 
going will agree with the writer that our educational claims are 
herein but partially and imperfectly stated. 

PRIVATE SCHOOLS. 

In addition to the public schools, Pueblo has private schools, 
the most prominent of which is Loretto Academy, for the edu- 
cation of girls and small boys, under the charge of the Sisters 
of Loretto, a band of noble Christian ladies. This parochial 
school is well patronized, and stands high in the estimation of 
its patrons and friends. In addition to the usual course of 
studies, such as may be found in similar institutions, music, 
painting and drawing lessons are given to those who desire 
them. Especial attention is paid to the moral and physical 
well-being of the pupils. 

The Pueblo Seminary, under the care of Miss L. J. White, 
with Miss Arrington as musical directress, has just closed a suc- 
cessful academic year. 

There was a private school taught in South Pueblo, by Miss 
Julia A. White, that was well sustained, and will be resumed in 
the early fall. 

Between the 15th of September and the ist of October, 
there will be in successful operation in this city " The Colorado 
Institute of Technology," in which will be thoroughly given full 
courses in mathematics, civil and mining engineering, physics, 
chemistry, natural philosophy applied to arts and manufactures, 
which will be taught in the schoolroom and in the workshops 
attached to the Institute. Literature, history, geography, a full 
commercial course in book-keeping,telegraphy, etc., will con- 
stitute an important department in this school. The fact that 
Prof. Joseph Luce will be at the head of this important educa- 
tional enterprise will be a sufficient guaranty of its high char- 
acter and ultimate success. 

Thus it will be seen that all may make choice between public 
and private schools, and can give their children the advantages 
of a scientific course in the Institute of Technology. 



MINES AND METALS. 



"Time is money," say the wise, and ior this reason we will 
not introduce our subject by one of those well prepared prefaces 
whose main object is to throw Iridescent dust in the eyes of the 
reader, and under the cover of brilliant rhetorical periods con- 
ceal the imperfections of the work. 

The position of the Pueblos at the present time is one of a 
well defined character. Like a child who does not know nor 
appreciate the latent physical power stored in his muscles until 
one of his comrades contests the ownership of his books or 
marbles, and then throws down his coat to fight with all his 
heart and might for the conquest of the coveted and contested 
prize, so are the Pueblos. They have at last resented the un- 
called for provocations of their defiant neighbors, and throwing 
down their pristine coat are going heart and hand into the 
battle, to affirm their rights and take rank as the great ore mar- 
ket and metallurgical center of Colorado. 

LOCATION AND SURROUNDINGS. 

Before entering upon the subject of mineral deposits carrying 
the precious metals, and located in counties reached by our 
enterprising lines of railroads, it is well and proper to look 
around our fast growing cities and investigate the formations, so 
characteristic, in which the Arkansas river has furrowed its bed. 
These formations belong to what is termed by geologists the 
cretaceous epoch, and are divided into several strata of sedi- 
mentary deposits, such as limestones, sandstones, clays, slates, 
coal, iron, etc. They form the principal body of the adjoining 
plains, and are shown to their fullest extent in the gorges and 
channels hollowed out by the Arkansas and its tributaries. 
The limestones and sandstones deserve a special mention, as 
their reputation has even reached Chicago, where our fine 
grained sandstones are in great demand. The I.eadville smelters 
also get their supplies of limestone and fluxes from Pueblo 
county. 

One mile below our cities gypsum exists, intermixed with 
clay, and is eminently fitted for use as a fertilizer. Along the 
foot-hills a purer article is found, suitable for building purposes. 

Numerous mineral springs, some saline, some chalybeate, 
some sulphurotts, invite also the attention of the physicians and 



38 Sketch of the Pueblos. 

investors. Along the valley at Carlisle, and further up at Rock- 
vale and Coal Creek, thick beds of coal have been worked up 
for several years, and lately mineral oil has been struck. Leav- 
ing the valley of the Arkansas and penetrating in the moun- 
tains by which it is confined to the south and southwest, we find 
a range of rugged mountains known as the 

SIERRA MOJADA OR CUERDO VERDE, 

more recently called "Wet Mountains." The southern portion 
of that chain is designated under the name of "Greenhorn Moun- 
tains." The main body of this range is formed by azoic rocks, 
granite, gneiss, full of porphyritic dykes, accompanied by min- 
eral veins rich in copper ores. Near to the head of the St. 
Charles, and between the Greenhorn and Red creek, a conglom- 
erate is found which consists of pebbles of quartz and obliterated 
crystals of feldspar, cemented together by red clay ; this forma- 
tion has a great thickness, and dips at an angle of 22°. Inter- 
mixed with it are found dykes of trap, accompanied by small 
mineral veins carrying galena, with a few disseminated crystals 
of copper and nickel sulphurets. Ten miles west of Red creek 
we encounter an entirely different formation, of which the origin 
IS due to glacial action, and there we find huge masses of rocks, 
polished, rounded, striated, some formed of mineral vein matter, 
some of porphyry, gneiss, granite, etc., showing the different 
formations that have been disintegrated and carried away by the 
powerful action of ice. 

HARDSCRABBLE CREEK 

springs out of this formation, and farther down flows through a 
canon showing on both sides sandstone strata dipping at an angle 
of 60° to 70°. The sand deposits along the creek contain some 
gold colors. Passing over the crest of the range, and descend- 
ing the western slope, we reach the towns of Rosita and Silver 
Cliff, These two localities present the most extraordinary min- 
eral formations. In Rosita^ true fissure-veins of galeniferous 
quartzite, enclosed in trachytic porphyry, while on the north- 
west they are located in sedimentary rocks. Strata and beds of 
clay impregnated with chloride of silver are another striking 
feature, and belong to a sedimentary deposit, of which the dip 
varies from 30° to 45°. 

One mile from Rosita, and on the southern slope of a hill 
covered with quartzite debris, are masses of round silicious con- 
cretions, from the size of a nut to that of a human head, scattered 
about with profusion. It is easy to recognize the results of the 
action of silicious waters, formerly existing here, results analo- 
gous to the deposits and incrustations observed in the silicious 
geysers of Montana and Idaho. 

A little farther south is found the head of the Muddy, spring- 
ing out of broken and disjointed sandstones, showing in some 



Mines and Metals. 39 

places well-defined dykes of volcanic trachytic matter, and also 
some porphyry veins. At the head of the Muddy, and going 
towards the Cuerdo Verde peak, we meet a syenitic granite that 
rovers all the foot hills. This formation encloses several dykes 
of porphyry and iron ore. 

The Cuerdo Verde peak itself presents a series of curious 
geological formations, beginning at the base with sandstone, fol- 
lowed by metamorphic granite, the upper part of the peak being 
capped by volcanic masses. The whole mountain is a net-work 
of veins of quartz carrying mineral, shown by well-defined out- 
croppings. Fifteen miles south, and after crossing the Huerfano 
river the sandstones and conglomerates are again met with, and the 
hills are covered with boulders of granite, trachyte and basalt, 
until Gardner is reached. There, taking a western course, at a 
distance of four miles we find several steep and denuded peaks, 
known as 

SHEEP MOUNTAINS, 

formed by a ryolite rich in quartz. Half a mile south of Gard- 
ner stands a butte of trachyte, finely grained, imbedding crystals 
of hornblende. In all the creeks running from these gulches 
and feeding the Huerfano river, gold has been found, and it is 
a surprise to all, to-day, to see our miners and prospectors going 
far away seeking for new fields of exploration, when they have 
so near immense treasures lying dormant. 

Some fifty years ago considerable work was done by Mexicans 
in a locality situated a few miles southwest of Huerfano Park, in 
the vicinity of Placer creek, east of Mount Blanco. These 
placers, called "Grayback," were worked at one time by Kit 
Carson. The gold is found in a reddish-clayey, silicious deposit 
forming a rusty conglomerate. The work has been but super- 
ficial, and prospecting by shaft has demonstrated the existence 
of several streaks of black sand constellated with gold nuggets of 
larger size than those found near the surface of the "diggin's." 
The hills on both sides of the creek are formed of primitive 
rocks, gneiss, a granite cut by a number of quartzite veins, also 
some fine blossoms and garnets disseminated through the rocks, 
as well as in the sand of the creek. Along Indian Creek valley, 
between the Grayback and LaVeta, the sandstone beds are so 
thoroughly impregnated by copper that several mines have been 
opened in this locality. 

THE SPANISH PEAKS, 

seen in the southern horizon, are located nine miles southeast of 
the thriving town of LaVeta, and promise to become one of the 
most important mining .camps south of the Divide. 

The main body of these peaks is a porphyritic trachyte 
emerging from the upper carboniferous formation, and cut by 
dykes radiating from the center of eruption towards the plains. 



..n'^-vr^s'iiffliii'ncr"''"!''!''''! 




Mines and Metals. 41 

and accompanied by a contact matter carrying galena, sulpluir- 
ets and the precious metals. 

As it can be seen by this too short description of the natural 
basin in the middle of which the Pueblos are located, we have at 
our doors mines of Gold, Silver, Lead, Iron and Copper ; beds 
of Coal, limestones, sandstones, clays, gypsum, springs of Min- 
eral waters. Artesian wells. Petroleum, without saying anything 
of the surfac:e formation of our plain, which is but a vast placer. 
Blind are those who do not see that with all these advantages 
Pueblo is, what it claims to be, a mining center. 

THE PUEBLOS THE GREAT COLORADO MARKET FOR ORES. 

Obeying the laws of gravitation and attraction, the drops of 
rain gather together to form rivulets and brooks, and running 
into natural channels down the steep inclines of our mountains, 
unite, forming creeks and rivers that empty into the sea and 
ocean. So are the products of our mines, brought down from 
the mountains to these grand channels prepared by human in- 
genuity and enterprise known as railroads, then unloaded by 
them on the platforms of the great ore market of the west, the 
Pueblos, to be distributed to our large metallurgical works. The 
Little Giant railroad, among others, is the principal agency that 
carries to Pueblo the mineral resources of the Great Southwest. 
It is along its iron net that the miners and prospectors are dig- 
ging out the ores that supply our market and smelters. Summit 
and Lake, Pitkin and Gunnison, Chaffee and Saguache counties, 
send their carbonated and sulphurretted ores, carrying both gold 
and silver, through the Grand Canon of the Arkansas to Pueblo, 
and in return we send them the fuel and the fluxes to work their 
low grade mineral, without speaking of the capital invested by 
the enterprise of Pueblo citizens in mines located in these coun- 
ties. Furthermore, the Arkansas Valley and Gunnison branch 
has lately been extended to Utah, and the ores of Little Cotton- 
wood and other districts of eastern Utah are to-day brought to 
Pueblo for treatment or sale. In the counties above named the 
mineral formations show a decided permanency, the best guar- 
antee for the future of Colorado, and eastern as well as home 
capital have developed this rugged portion of our state and 
transformed it, as if by magic, into a vast cosmopolitan caravan- 
serai, where all the Caucasian nationalities are met with, and 
where the African as well as the Mongolian dig into the bowels 
of the earth to find the precious talisman of Astharoth, "Gold." 

Starting again from Pueblo by the southwestern division of 
the Denver and Rio Grande, in a few hours we have re;3^ched the 

GREAT SAN JUAN, 

and are struck with amazement and wonder at the treasures 
met along the road. First, Rio Grande county, with its gold 
mines producing millions of the finest metal in the market. This 



42 Sketch of the Pueblos. 

celebrated camp has now a milling capacity of 175 stamps, 
crushing, pounding, amalgamating, concentrating the largest 
gold formation that exists on the continent. The new line of 
railroad from Del Norte to Summit shows the enterprise of the 
leaders of the camp. 

The placers, the mines of gold, silver, mercury and copper 
of La Plata county, deserve a special notice, as also the coal 
formation near Durango, 

Dolores county, with the San Miguel mountains, is the re- 
pository of immense veins of native gold and silver, running 
parallel with other veins of ruby, silver and gray copper. We 
hope before long to hear the screech of the locomotive whistle 
repeated by the echo of this new Aladdin's kingdom. 

In San Juan county, galena and copper ores were first mined, 
but to-day bismuth ores are attracting the attentions of the in- 
vestor, and are a source of profit to our miners. 

Ouray county must not be forgotten nor ignored. Its valiant 
citizens have more than other inhabitants of the Far West adver- 
tised abroad the Great San Juan. There is no town that can 
show as well as Ouray what results can be obtained by pluck, in- 
dustry and faith. "God-speed to Ouray." 

The last extension of the Little Pioneer brings us into the 
county of Hinsdale, the largest producer of the whole southwest^ 
the only rival of the great carbonate camp of Lake county. 

RED MOUNTAIN 

has been a revelation ; a few strokes of the pick have unearthed 
untold treasures and baffled the theories of our experienced 
miners and scientific men. Of a nearly deserted and wild 
country has sprung in one day a camp of many thousands, and 
to the glory of the citizens of the Centennial state, Colorado 
capital has, we must say, built up alone this magnificent and 
wonderful camp. The Pueblos, as usual, were the first on the 
spot, and it is with pride that we have followed the progresses 
of our fellow-citizens united with those of our fair sister of San. 
Juan county, the enterprising Silverton, to foster up the devel- 
opments that shall, in a near future, add millions to our credit 
as the largest producer of bullion of the whole world. 

All the counties of Southwestern Colorado are linked to the 
Pueblos by bonds of friendsliip and common interest, and they 
are building up the twin cities by shipping their ores to our 
market, and in exchange receiving from our merchants supplies 
of all sorts, as groceries, dry goods, hardware, notions, drugs, etc. 

We could add many pages to this article; travel south into 
Huerfano, Costilla, Las Animas counties, and into New Mexico, 
but space is limited. We close by affirming once more our 
rights, and we will unfurl our flag to the breeze, showing the 
world that our success lays in the practical application of our 
motto, "Labor Omnia Vincit." 



METALLURGY. 



At the present day metallurgical science has emerged from 
the period of empiricism into which alchemy confined it, and 
taken a foothold in the world, based upon mathematical calcula- 
tions and well known chemical reactions. Metallurgical opera- 
tions are simple in their nature, and only made complicated by 
the ignorance and inexperience of our conceited and haughty 
kid glove superintendents and processmen. 

We desire to see metallurgy following the other sciences in 
their progress, but we claim that nine-tenths of the processes 
seeking for the favor of the public will fail to succeed, because 
in most of them the natural laws of motion and combination 
have been ignored or overlooked, and hazard has too large a 
part in the results. We claim, also, that new processes are the 
result in most cases of the complete ignorance of the actual 
methods of treating the ores carrying both the base and the 
precious metals. 

The metallurgical works of the Pueblos are a striking ex- 
ample of the results that can be obtained when true scientific 
attainments are allied with business ability in the management 
of a metallurgical institution. What can we say that is not 
known at large concerning the Pueblo Smelting and Refining 
Company, the Eilers Smelter, the Rose & Reed Sampling 
Works, the steel works, the nail works and the other depart- 
ments of the ever growing company, the Colorado Coal and 
Iron Company. Everywhere, and it is a pleasure to the writer 
of this article to pay to our worthy and enterprising fellow- 
citizens this deserved tribute, these institutions, second to none 
in the country, are models in themselves throughout, and to the 
initiated eye, more perhaps than to the eye of the daily visitors, 
show most striking features; principally order, method, cleanli- 
ness, and, also, the most improved working facilities exhibited 
in all the departments of the works. 

The silver ores, properly speaking, are comparatively rare, 
but this metal in combination with sulphur, arsenic, chlorine, 
etc., is widely disseminated among the ores of the base metals, 
and'especially found in connection with lead and copper ores. 

The methods of extraction are founded on the metallurgical 
tieatment of lead and copper, and are carried on by smelting 



44 Sketch of the Pueblos. 

the ores with suitable fluxes, and separating the argentiferous lead 
bullion or copper matte from the product, known as slag. 

The bullion and the matte are two marketable products of 
easy shipment and sale, even if we had no refining works to send 
them into circulation as manufactured metals. 

The copper strikes in southern Colorado, along the foot hills 
and in the Sangre de Cristo, will soon compel us to add to our 
list of metallurgical establishments large copper works. In fact, 
here in Pueblo we receive more copper ores than lead ores, and 
in a few months our supply will be such that we will leave Lake 
Superior far behind, as we have already beaten Nevada, Califor 
nia, and are forging ahead of Old Mexico, in the race for the 
silver leadership. 

It would be unfair to close these few lines without saying a 
special word about the Steel Works, which, located on the Mesa, 
are like the lighthouse, showing to the emigrant the entrance of 
our welcoming cities. 

Iron, say the people, is not a precious metal; it is a base 
metal. It is true; but we must not forget that iron and its com- 
pound, steel, are, on account of their usefulness, more precious 
than gold and silver. Why? Because we must have iron and 
steel to extract the ores from the bowels of the earth ; we must 
have iron and steel to separate these precious metals from its 
ores. 

The metallurgy of Iron, like the metallurgy of gold and sil- 
ver, lead and copper, reposes upon well known and well under- 
stood principles, and if the space was given to us, if we had the 
ability, we would undertake to tell something of the processes 
which to-day bear the names of their inventors. Bessemer with 
his converters, Martin with his furnace, Siemens with his regen- 
erator, have revolutionized the metallurgy of iron, and we are 
proud to see the Pueblos chosen as the most available location in 
the whole west for the establishment of such colossal works. If 
asked why the managers of these metallurgical institutions have 
done so, we will answer by showing our immense iron deposits, 
covering several hundred square miles; our limestones, used as 
flux; our coal beds, supplying the fuel; our mineral oil, trans- 
formed, purified, furnishing the light, the fuel, the lubricator. 
We will show our railroads, our little narrow-gauge, which, like 
the fisherman, has covered the southern portion of our young 
state with a net-work of iron and steel rails, and joins the chorus, 
with the whistle of its engines and the thunder-like rumbling of 
its loaded cars, to sing the sublime hosanna to civilization and 
progress. 




THE COLORADO COAL AND IRON 
COMPANY. 



This company has its extensive iron and steel works located 
at Bessemer, just outside the corporate limits of the city of 
South Pueblo. The works comprise a 

BLAST FURNACE 

capable of producing eighty tons per day of pig iron, and as 
the company owns its own ore mines and has a variety of ores, 
all grades of foundry and mill iron are made. A second blast 
furnace is now in course of erection. There is also a complete 

BESSEMER STEEL WORKS, 

where steel rails, steel castings, forgings, etc., of all weights 
and patterns are made. These works have a capacity of three 
hundred tons per day, and the steel rails made here have already 
acquired a reputation for superior quality. 

THE NAIL WORKS AND SPIKE MILL 

are also located here, and are now producing nearly 300 kegs 
per day of nails and about fifty kegs of railroad track spikes, 
though the works have a capacity of double that amount. 

South Pueblo nails have already earned a reputation, wherever 
they have been used, of being the strongest and cleanest nail 
made. 

This company also makes all sizes of merchant bar iron, 
mine rails, splice bars, etc., at their 

MERCHANT BAR MILL, 

now located m Denver, Colorado. As new puddled iron is to 
be used in this manufacture hereafter, the good quality ot the 
product is assuied. 

At Bessemer is a thriving village populated by the employes 
of the steel and iron works. 

These works are regarded as but the nucleus of a large iron 
and steel industry. Cast and wrought iron pipe works, car 
wheel works and stove manufactories, together with the various 
forms of steel manufacture, such as springs, shovels, picks, bars. 



46 



Sketch of the Pueblos. 



etc., must ultimately grow up to meet the demands of the sur- 
rounding territory. 

The proximity of the best and cheapest fuels in the state, 
the presence of works producing all the raw materials necessary 
for any iron or steel industry, together with cheap labor and 
excellent railroad facilities for distributing manufactured pro- 
ducts, makes South Pueblo the natural point at which all the 
iron and steel industries of the state must be congregated. The 
Colorado Coal and Iron Company owns large tracts of land 
adjoining South Pueblo, and also owns a large part of the town 
site, and is always disposed to offer favorable terms for land and 
the best facilities for water, etc., to any manufacturing concern 
desiring to locate. This company also owns and operates coal 
mines at Canon, Walsen's, El Moro and Crested Butte, from 
which mines are produced the best domestic, steam and black- 
smith coals found west of Pennsylvania. It also owns coke 
works at El Moro and Crested Butte, where coke is made of the 
best quality, which is exclusively used by the smelters, etc., of 
Colorado and Utah. 




FOUNTAIN SCHOOL. 



RAILROADS. 



THE ATCHISON, TOPEKA AND SANTA FE RAILROAD. 

Pueblo, as the railroad center of Colorado, has always looked 
upon The Santa Fe as one of the chief contributors toward her 
growth. Perhaps the easiest way to understand rightly the im- 
portance to this city of the facilities afforded by the A., T. & 
S. F. is to try to imagine the situation if The Santa Fe were to 
take up its rails back to La Junta. Pueblo would no longer en- 
joy equally as good facilities for communication with the east as 
Denver. The outlet for her manufactured products, and the 
avenue through which must come all supplies from eastern mar- 
kets, would be Denver. Our manufacturing industries would be 
placed at a great disadvantage as compared with those at Denver, 
while our promising and growing wholesale trade could not live. 
A correspondent of the Chicago Tribune states the case very 
clearly, as follows: ''The terminus of the Atchison, Topeka 
and Santa Fe railroad in Colorado is that "new Pittsurg of the 
west," Pueblo, commonly called the pivotal city of Colorado- 
pivotal because it is the center of the Denver and Rio Grande 
system of narrow-gauge railroads, which stretch themselves out 
from that point over the mountains and through the passes like 
the fingers of a man's hand, drawing into the palm at Pueblo 
the mineral wealth of this greatest of all the silver-producing 
states or territories in the union, while the Santa Fe road stands 
there, with its standard-gauge, steel-railed track, magnificent 
equipment, and unrivalled management, ready to take up the 
products of the mine and ranch and carry them to the markets 
of the east. So truthfully does this describe the relation of The 
Santa Fe to the commerce of Colorado that one, though never 
having studied the situation before, can understand why the 
A., T. S. F. is the great inlet and outlet to Pueblo, and through 
that city to central and southern Colorado." 

It is such extra railroad facilities as these that have attracted 
the attention of capital to Pueblo as the most eligible point in 
the state for manufacturing purposes, and have induced the in- 
vestment here of millions of productive capital. The facilities 
provided by this company have increased, too, in direct ratio 
with the increase of the business to be done. There are now two 
regular passenger trains running daily between this city and 
Kansas City and Atchison, on the Missouri river, one of which, 




KOYAL GORGE — ON THE LINE OF THE DENVER & RIO GRANDE RAILWAY, 



Railroads. 49 

the popular "Thunderbolt," makes the trip between the river 
and the Union depot in this city — 619 miles — in 21 hours and 
15 minutes, and returning in 20 hours and 45 minutes. There 
are only one or two trains in the United States that make any 
better time than this. This train also connects in this city with 
the Salt Lake and Ogden train on the Denver and Rio Grande, 
placing Pueblo on one of the new routes to San Francisco, and 
on the shortest route from Kansas City to Salt Lake City and all 
points in Utah. 

Pueblo has also felt the effect of the extension of the Atchi- 
son, Topeka and Santa Fe railroad into New Mexico. During 
the past year large shipments of ore have been received at our 
smelting works from the mines of that territory, and as the 
promising mining interests of that section develop, Pueblo trade 
with the southern country may be expected to increase. 

The Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe, by its connection with 
the Mexican Central at El Paso, and by the construction of the 
Sonora railway, affords direct rail transportation between Pueblo 
and the principal cities of the Mexican states of Chihuahua and 
Sonora, and has opened a new and rich field to the commercial 
centers of the United States, which Pueblo should see to it that 
she cultivates with industry. 

Arizona now has two railroads running from east to west 
across her entire territory, both of which connect with the Atchi- 
son, Topeka and Santa Fe in New Mexico. Arizona has already 
sent large shipments of her ores to Pueblo, and with the greatly 
increased transportation facilities now enjoyed, an increased out- 
put is assured. Pueblo as the manufacturing and smelting center 
of the southwest, is in the field for that trade. 

The Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe also affords to travelers 
from Pueblo a choice of two southern routes to California, and 
the shortest line to Los Angeles. These two routes are via the 
Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe to Deming, and thence via the 
Southern Pacific to San Francisco; or, via the Atchison, Topeka 
and Santa Fe to Albuquerque, thence via the Atlantic and Pacific 
across Arizona to connection with the Southern Pacific on the 
Colorado river. 

Pueblo has gained much by the friendly aid received from 
The Santa Fe, and has much more to hope for in the future. 

DENVER AND RIO GRANDE RAILWAY. 

The history of the Denver and Rio Grande railroad is a 
record of brilliant achievement by the greatest narrow-gauge 
road in the world. It is a complete net-work of lines, extensions 
and projected routes through the richest and most promising 
sections of the state, having in view the speedy connection of 
every important mining town by rail, and tlie establishment of 
lines of communication between Colorado and all the rest of the 
world. 



50 Sketch of the Pueblos. 

To say that the construction of the net-work of road laid 
and contemplated by this company to every important mining 
camp and agricultural district in the state, besides reaching out 
for the rich and fertile territory of Utah, is the greatest enter- 
prise in the west, does but partial justice to the men who have 
had the great scheme in charge. During the closing year more 
than 200 miles were built, much of which runs over mountains 
that to ordinary individuals would seem almost insurmountable. 
At the present time it has 1,643 i^iiles in operation, and before 
another twelve months roll around this number will no doubt be 
largely increased. The new districts opened up and developed 
have gone far toward strengthening Colorado's great future in 
the. minds of eastern men, and the Denver and Rio Grande 
people should be given full credit for this condition of affairs. 

From Pueblo this road radiates to all the cardinal points of 
the compass, save the east, reaching down to the coal mines of 
El Moro, the silver mines of the San Juan, the iron mines of 
Saguache, the coal and silver of the Gunnison, and the rich min- 
eral fields of Leadville and beyond. Pueblo is the natural center 
of the vast traffic emanating from all these various sources, and 
secures her share of the great business which results from her 
favorable situation. Her smelters receive ore from all the min- 
eral regions tapped by the Denver and Rio Grande, and her 
merchants extend their trade to the many towns and cities to the 
north and south and west lying along the line. 

Waiving further mention in a business point of view (which 
could be lengthened out to a far greater extent if space would 
permit), we will casually invite the reader's attention to the fact 
that no road in the world furnishes more or greater variety of 
scenery than the Denver and Rio Grande. Traversing as it does 
the loveliest valleys and climbing the highest mountains, it is no 
wonder that all pronounce it the ''Scenic Route of America." 
and to all those visiting Colorado for business or pleasure, we 
are frank to say that they should not miss this one opportunity 
to view the grandest scenery on earth. Pueblo is fortunate in 
being situated near some of the most grand and magnificent 
scenery in the world, and very pleasant trips can be taken from 
this city to objects of surpassing interest. Manitou and Colo- 
rado Springs are only 45 miles distant to the north, and both 
will amply repay a visit. To the westward, and on the road to 
I^eadville, is the Grand Canon of the Arkansas and the Royal 
Gorge, both too well known to require description here. At 
Salida the through line to Salt Lake City and San Francisco 
swerves to the left and crosses the Continental Divide by way of 
Marshall Pass, attaining at the summit the immense elevation of 
almost 11,000 feet. One who has made the journey writes as 
follows : 

It was toward evening, and we followed the light upward from one level 
to another, until just at sunset we emerged on a scene of such unearthly beauty 



Railroads. 5 1 

as those who had the blessed fortune of seeing will never forget. Turning a 
sharp spur of the mountain, we spun over a trestle bridge, which took a 
curve, a climb and a bound across a deep gorge all at once; and on the in- 
stant the sun shone on a line of exquisite peaks melting away in the dim 
horizon, their snowy summits transfigured with the last rosy flush of dying 
day. Far below night-shadows were gathering already in deep ravines and 
narrow passes; while above, the sky was still opalescent with the faint, clear 
tints which make twilight linger so long in this rare atmosphere. Oh, 
heavenly heights, fair mountains of the snow ! will we ever again look upon 
anything so wonderful until we cross the border land to the Blessed Country, 
and through the gates ajar see rising in the radiant air the shining hills of 
Paradise! From the summit of Marshall Pass one looks down upon four 
lines of road, terrace below terrace, the last so far down the mountain as to 
be quite indistinct to the view. These are loops in the almost spiral pathway 
of the road's descent. 

The line continues down the Gunnison river to the gorge which is known 
from its sombre coloring as the Black Canon. This rock-bound chasm is 
wilder, more picturesque and grander even than the Canon we have already 
encountered. The cliffs are quite three thousand feet high, and their sides 
are broken into narrow shelves where shrubs, trees and clinging vines have 
found a foothold. In places miniature cataracts leap from dizzy heights into 
the sea-green waters of the river, or, broken by projecting ledges, reach the 
bottom of the canon in silvery spray. There is constant variety ; now the 
cliffs are red-colored, now of a grayish white. Here a solitary pinnacle soars 
upward like a delicately-formed cathedral tower; and again the enclosing 
walls hug the road for miles in unbroken masses. The contour of the pali- 
sades is closely followed, the river is constantly beside us, and its rumble is 
ever strange and solemn. 

Escaping from the canon, the road pursues its westward course over 
Cedar divide, attained by high grades, and from whose summit an extended 
view is had of the Uncompaghre valley, and the serrated San Juan moun- 
tains in the distance. Between Delta and Grand Junction the lower Gunni- 
son Canon is traversed, the variegated coloring and, curious rock formations 
maintaining the interest unabated. West of the latter town a veritable desert 
is crossed, which is, however, far from monotonous, by reason of the Book 
Cliffs and the fine mountain groups surrounding it. At Thompson Spring 
the road is nearly abreast the Sierra La Sal, and within fifty miles of the 
northern end of the Grand Canons of the Colorado. Crossing in due season 
Green and Price rivers, we reach Castle Gate, leading into the heart of the 
Wasatch mountains, and formed by two immense towers of red sandstone, 
which have a sheer descent of nearly five hundred feet, and are severed off- 
shoots from the cliffs behind them. Once through the narrow way, and 
climbing the steep grades of Price River Canon, the road follows the stream, 
and all the while there are continuous forests, vari-colored rocks, clear 
waters, green meadows, tangled brush, and vistas of distant, snowy peaks. 
At Soldier Summit, on the very top of the range, the train starts down the 
western slope, and emerging from Spanish Fork Canon, with its scenic sur- 
j5rises, enters Utah Valley. The view from this side of the range is one of 
incomparable loveliness. Eastward are the lofty peaks which the traveler 
has but just crossed, and whose grandeur is now more than ever before ap- 
parent. At one's feet lies Utah basin, and beyond it to the north Salt Lake 
valley, girded by high mountains. As far as the eye can see there are rich 
meadows. And thus onward through ever-varying and beautiful scenery the 
traveler passes on to Salt Lake City and Ogden, where connection is made 
with the Central Pacific road for San Francisco. This through line is an im- 
portant integer in the sum of Pueblo's success, for travelers from the east 
arriving over the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe railroad take the Rio 
Grande for the Pacific coast here. 



52 Sketch of the Piieblos. 

Southward from Pueblo the road reaches El Moro, and 
branching at Cuchara crosses the far-famed Veta Pass, rounds 
Mule Shoe Curve, and extends as far south as Espanola, in New 
Mexico. A branch extends from Alamosa to Del Norte and 
Wagon Wheel Gap, and another branch at Antonito penetrates 
the San Juan country, passing along the verge of Toltec Gorge 
and through the Toltec Tunnel, one of the most marvelous 
works of man, to Durango, and terminating at Silverton. 

The policy of the road has always been to develope the 
resources of Colorado, and to its generous and wise manage- 
ment the Centennial State owes, in a large measure, its present 
proud position. Further information concerning the Denver & 
Rio Grande will be cheerfully given upon application to Mr. F. 
C. Nims, General Passenger and Ticket Agent, Denver, or C. 
A. Tripp, Ticket Agent, Pueblo. 

THE DENVER & NEW ORLEANS RAILWAY. 

This is an enterprise started principally by Denver capital- 
ists, who are determined to make it one of the best paying and 
most popular roads in the West. At present it is operated be- 
tween Denver and Pueblo, taking in that lovely summer resort, 
Colorado Springs. The object, as we understand it, is to extend 
this road some 200 miles further south into the rich mineral, 
agricultural and stock districts of New Mexico, and connecting 
with the Southern Pacific. This move will give the D. & N. O. 
outlets to the southwest and east not at present possessed, and 
will undoubtedly be of great benefit to this section of country. 
Governor Evans, one of the principal stockholders, is now in 
New York making arrangements for active operations to be 
begun at once, and by this time next year the D. & N. O. 
will be far on its way. This road is responsible for the cheap 
passenger rates between Pueblo and Denver, which are $1.50 
the round trip — the distance being 125 miles each way. Colonel 
Fisher is the able and progressive manager. 



VIEWS OF HON. WM. D. KELLY. 



Extracts from an Address delivered at Turner Hall, Pueblo, 
August i6th, 1882. 



NEW SETTLERS. 



The opportunity to study the resources of your young but 
marvelously endowed state, and to address its people in assem- 
blages like the present, are privileges for which I am grateful. 
That you are all new settlers here I know, for I visited the 
Pueblos just ten years ago, when the town could not have fur- 
nished home accommodations for a tithe of the men now before 
me. You are nearly all in the vigor of young manhood. There 
are no old men before or around me; and you have come to this 
country to stay. As life advances you will find that your lines 
have truly fallen in pleasant places. Your climate is dry and 
healthful, the air you breathe at this elevation expands your 
lungs, and you will find 

THE CHILDREN 

that gather about your knees in this mountainous state sturdy 
boys and blooming lasses, with a breadth of chest and measure 
of physical vigor that is exceptional in lower countries. And 
with vigorous bodies will come sound and vigorous minds. 

When Humboldt visited New Spain, as Mexico was then 
called, he said that the heads of the universities and other insti- 
tutions of learning agreed in assuring him that the pupils who 
took most readily to arithmetic and the higher sciences were 
those who came from the higher altitudes, as from the mountains 
of Durango. Colorado may be substituted for Durango, and the 
boys and girls of the Pueblos will vindicate the truth of Hum- 
boldt's observation. Your state, the infant sister of the union, 
which is now nearly six years old, has made constitutional pro- 
vision for the ample education of a race who will demand fair 
and free education for the children, and the most advanced and 
industrial education for men and women. They ordained a 
system which, by the thorough education it will give to the 
people, will promote their individual wealth by expediting and 
perfecting the development of the vast and vastly diversified re- 
sources of the state. 



54 Sketch of the Pueblos. 

AGRICULTURE IN COLORADO. 

It was the discovery of the precious metals which first at- 
tracted settlers across the desert places to Cherry creek ; but it 
was the useful metals that summoned to Pueblo the brawny men 
who did me the honor to escort me to this hall, and who con- 
structed yonder admirably equipped steel works, which will in a 
little while be pointed to as the initial institution in Colorado's 
great industrial center. The plains, now intersected by a num- 
ber of railroads, are no longer sterile, and Colorado's agricultu- 
ral resources will bring the plough, the loom and the anvil into 
operation in closest proximity. 

I have seen enough of the wheat fields and fruit gardens of 
the state to convince me that however rapidly its population 
may increase, it will be many years before it need again import 
food; yet ten years ago I saw no indication of the possibility 
that Colorado could ever produce food for the population that 
its mines would attract to its borders. Ten years ago I visited 
what proved to be the germ of the colony of Greeley. A com- 
mittee had been sent out from New York to select a site for the 
colony, and to determine whether such parts of the dry plains 
as might be irrigated could be made to support an industrious 
colony. The question was then a doubtful one. Last week I 
revisited the spot. The population of the beautiful little town 
cannot be less than twenty-five hundred. In its gardens and in 
large adjacent fields I saw corn which, though it would not 
compare with that grown in the corn growing sections of Mis- 
souri, Kansas, and parts of Nebraska, or equal that which may 
be grown around Pueblo and throughout the fertile valley of 
the Arkansas, would be counted a capital crop in many of the 
agricultural regions of the eastern states. [Applause.] My visit 
was to a gentleman who is working a farm, three thousand acres 
of which are in wheat and four hundred and fifty acres in 
potatoes; a very respectable sized farm for a state incapable of 
agriculture. [Laughter.] It is divided into thirty fields of wheat, 
each of one hundred acres, and one of them, which I examined 
very closely, the soil of which was broken last year, and pre- 
pared by cropping in part with potatoes and in part with corn, 
has a crop upon it which will, I believe, yield a minimum of 
fifty bushels of Colorado wheat to the acre. I speak of Colorado 
wheat because at two of the hotels at which I have stopped in 
the state I have heard complaints of the cook for putting sugar 
in the bread, [laughter] and a gentleman asked me if there was 
not a little corn in the bread that gave it that golden color. In 
each case I caused surprise by assuring the party that the sweet- 
ness and color pertained to the wheat of the state, and were 
probably elements of its wonderful nutritive power. [Applause.] 

All this and more may be done in the southern valleys, and 
from the orchards and vineyards of each, at no distant day, will 



Address of Hon. Wm. D. Kelly. 55 

be shipped rich and luscious fruit. There, too, the products of 
the South may all be grown as perfectly as in Kansas or Mis- 
souri. You know that agriculture is not a leading characteristic 
of the state; its development is a surprise, not only to the 
country at large, but to the early settlers of Colorado, who have 
not grown gray unless they were pretty well advanced when 
they came here. The settlement of Colorado began but about 
a quarter of a century ago, and everything here is young but 
the grand old mountains and their boundless deposits of mineral 
wealth. [Applause.] 

MINING NOT A TEMPORARY BUSINESS. 

There is'an impression in the East that the state is made up 
of mining communities who are in search only of the precious 
metals, that the gold and silver will soon be worked out, and 
that then the state will be depopulated and the people returned 
to their original homes. We know that this theory is very 
absurd. No state in the Union has more evidence of enduring 
progress and prosperity than Colorado. [Applause.] 

CAUSES WHICH PRODUCE GREAT STATES. 

When addressing the immense audience assembled on the 
occasion of the opening of the Denver Exposition, I pointed to 
the fact that there were three causes which create great and en- 
during states. First, the possession of immense masses of the 
precious metals. This it was that called together, as if by magic, 
the people of California and Australia; and of Colorado, when 
it was announced that there was gold at the foot of Pike's Peak. 
Another, that part of the state and some of the cities shall lie 
on a great line of inter-state travel, and furnish points for the 
exchange of commodities; or, in plain language, have facilities 
for the establishment of commercial centers. Your state has the 
precious metals, and is already traversed by great through 
lines of travel, which seem to me to so concentrate at Pueblo 
and Denver, or Denver and Pueblo, as gentlemen may choose to 
put one or the other first, as to secure to these places great com- 
mercial advantages. 

My third proposition was that the possession of the materials 
for iron and steel, and adequate fuel and fluxes for working 
them, would give prominence and prosperity to a state. These 
elements of greatness and wealth I declare unhesitatingly to ex- 
ist in a greater degree and in closer proximity in Colorado than 
I have found them at any point I have visited in this country or 
Great Britain. [Cheers and applause.] I say this not to flatter 
you, nor to exaggerate the brightness of the future of the state, 
but deliberately, because ray judgment approves it as solemn 
truth. [Applause.] 

IRON AND STEEL. 

When England sent Mr. J. Lowthian Bell as commissioner 
to the Centennial Exhibition, to report on iron and steel, she 




TULTEC TUNNEL — ON THE LINE OF THE DENVER A RIO GRANDE RAILWAY. 



Address of Hon. Wm. D. Kelly. 57 

confided that duty to a man of rare learning, scientific attain- 
ments, and of large observation and experience in everything 
that relates to the production of iron and steel. In the official 
report of this capable man, it is set forth that the instance in 
which any of the materials for the manufacture of iron or steel 
in Great Britain require transportation for one hundred miles 
was very rare, while, said he, it is no unusual thing for iron 
makers in the United States to transport some of the elements 
anywhere from six hundred to one thousand miles. In this 
respect the location of the works of the Colorado Coal and 
Iron Company might be regarded as fortunate even in England. 
The location was selected and the works planted by Pennsylva- 
nians and are where they have ample supplies of every variety 
of ore, flux and fuel that can be needed in the production of 
the different grades of steel; and these all within a radius of fifty 
miles, and they are already obtainable by rail. One of the in- 
telligent workingmen, now before me, whom I knew in our 
native state, assured me that all the materials they were now 
working were found within a few miles of the mill. Here at 
least we have a slight advantage over little mother England, 
close as is the juxtaposition of her fields of raw material. [Ap- 
plause and laughter.] And I venture the prediction that when 
the next census shall be taken, there will be found gathered 
about these steel works, and dependent more or less directly 
upon them, a population of at least twenty thousand people. 
[Great applause.] 

I have just learned the number of your 

RAILROAD COMMUNICATIONS. 

I had supposed that the main line of the Denver & Rio Grande, 
running north and south, with its branches diving, as it were, 
into the passes that lead to great mining centres, and the con- 
nection which the Denver & New Orleans railroad will ultimately 
give you with ocean trade at Galveston and New Orleans, were 
your only present or immediately prospective connections. But 
the same energetic men who conceived the Denver & Rio 
Grande road and, though it required marvellously bold en- 
gineering, successfully completed it, are now constructing a 
western road to open to you the trade of Utah and the country 
west thereof. Not only will the New Orleans road connect you 
with the foreign and coastwise commerce of the country, but in 
its way to the seaboard it will traverse the cotton fields of Texas. 
Thus, you see, Pueblo and Denver are inevitably destined to be 
commercial and manufacturing centres, in the midst of mineral 
wealth and on great routes of travel. 

DIVERSITY OF MANUFACTURES. 

Abiding wealth and prosperity must reward the energy and 
enterprise of communities so admirably located and surrounded 



58 Sketch of the Pueblos. 

by such vast and diversified resources as characterize the portions 
of this state with which you are already connected by rail. But 
you will fail to gather a large percentage of the gain that should 
be yours if you shall fail to apply the laws of social economy to 
your daily life. If you would reap the just rewards of your en 
terprise and labor you must diversify your industries to the last 
degree. Where this is done there is no such thing as waste; 
where it is not done, as among people who content themselves 
with the production of raw material, or with mining the precious 
metals, or any other single pursuit, there is much waste, which 
waste means the loss of human effort and the material which 
could be made to reward labor and increase the wealth of the 
community ; consequently the more you can diversify your in- 
dustries the less idleness and the more wealth will there be among 
you. Let me illustrate this general proposition. 

In view of the immense and easily accessible deposits of 
mineral fuel your pine woods were of little value, and the scrub 
oak that so abound on the hill sides were mere cumberers of the 
ground. But you have added 

A NAIL MILL 

to your furnaces and rolling mill, and you must have kegs for 
the nails. How to procure these kegs within the limits of rea- 
sonable cost was a problem; but experiments have developed the 
fact that the staves for acceptable kegs can be cut from the pine 
wood growing on the company's lands, and that these scrub 
oak furnish material for hoops that may be safely trusted. 

Every community should study its own resources and utilize 
them all. ********* 

NEED OF A PAPER MILL. 

Why, let me ask, should not the rags be utilized? A small 
paper mill would create a market for them. Draw a circle 
which shall just embrace the last paper mill in Missouri, or, if a 
more western one has been established let it mark your radius. 
At such a mill rags have a definite price, and paper is, in com- 
parison with places remote from a paper mill, relatively cheap. 
In other words, a paper mill creates a market for rags and 
reduces the price of paper, but as the distance between the point 
at which the rags may be collected and the paper mill increases 
the price of rags diminishes and the price of paper increases 
until at a certain distance rags cease to have commercial value. 

In further illustration let me say that a friend of mine in 
Philadelphia, a chemist, whose business is confined to the pro- 
duction of three articles in several grades, last year did a business 
amounting to 5500,000, and yet he used not a single material 
which was not waste in Philadelphia but fifteen years ago, in- 
cluding the refuse from gas works, soap making establishments, 
and old cuttings of leather from shoe factories. The proprietor 



Address of Hon. Wm. D. Kelly. 59 

of yonder smelter comprehends this law, and, unwilling to send 
the lead he extracts from the ore to the east to be wrought into 
sheet and shot, and brought back with loss of interest and 
freight, he has added the means of producing these articles in 
Pueblo, and has brought skilled workmen here to thus add to 
the diversification of your employments and the value of your 
town lots; and while passing through the establishment I learned 
that the sheet lead of Pueblo has found its way into market at 
Chicago. It was also suggested to me that at no distant day 
the manufacture of white lead, red lead and litharge would be 
started. Thus is assurance given, in the growing diversification 
of her pursuits, that Pueblo is destined to be not only a centre 




LORETTO ACADEMY. 



and a model of economy in the production of steel, but a city 
of manifold manufactures which shall enable you to practice 
economy in both time and labor. The day is not far distant 
when you should establish 

COTTON AND WOOLEN MILLS. 

Widowhood, orphanage and unmarried women are found in 
every country, and for these gentle and profitable employment 
should be provided. While you hardy men are engaged in the 
steel works, the smelter and other departments of muscular 
labor, the cotton and woolen mill furnish fitting feminine em- 
ployment. You grow your own wool for all grades of cloth 
except the finest broadcloth, not much of which is worn in 
mining camps; and, growing your wool, why should you not 
spin and weave it, and thus protect yourselves against such im- 



6o Sketch of the Pueblos. 

positions as I have alluded to in connection with shoddy? Why 
send your wool to the east, to be sent back to you at the cost of 
double freight and interest ? And lying so much nearer to the 
cotton fields of Texas than Massachusetts or even Pennsylvania 
are to the nearest plantations from which they draw supplies, 
why shall not a cotton mill rise in your midst before a railroad 
shall connect Pueblo and Denver with the Gulf? You will 
require both cotton and woolen mills to prevent waste of time 
of your women and to introduce in your midst economies which 
must be unknown in the absence of such establishments. 

In thanking the more than three hundred hardy men, who 
find employment in the steel works of the Colorado Coal and 
Iron Company, who did me the honor to escort me hither, I 
have felt called upon to say thus much in the assurance that my 
words will reach beyond my present audience, and assure any of 
the doubting people of the east that our infant sister, Colorado, 
is among us not temporarily, but has come to stay, and come to 
vie with and rival any of the best of the whole sisterhood of 
states. [Loud and long continued applause.] ***** 



